Brian Lee (O’Halloran) | 305-965-2744
AUGUSTA — Several new laws supported by Rep. Dani O’Halloran, D-Brewer, that aim to provide meaningful financial relief to Maine families, seniors and others struggling with the rising cost of everyday expenses go into effect today.
“Whether I’m talking with families at the grocery store, seniors living on fixed incomes or small business owners here in Brewer, I hear the same message: The rising cost of everyday life is making it harder to get ahead,” said O’Halloran. “Those conversations have guided my work in Augusta and reinforced my commitment to finding practical, bipartisan solutions that make a real difference for the people I represent. I’ll continue working across party lines to find practical, common-sense solutions that lower costs, strengthen our communities and help Maine families keep more of what they earn.”
One of those initiatives will provide $300 affordability relief checks to eligible Maine residents. Individuals earning less than $50,000, heads of households earning less than $75,000 and couples filing jointly earning less than $100,000 who filed a 2025 Maine income tax return qualify. Eligible residents who have not yet filed have until October 15 to submit their return.
“For many families, $300 can make a real difference. It can help fill the gas tank, buy groceries, pay a utility bill or simply ease some of the financial pressure so many hardworking Mainers are feeling. When costs continue to rise, every dollar matters, and I was proud to support this relief for the people who need it most,” said O’Halloran.
O’Halloran also supported legislation expanding the Property Tax Fairness Credit, directing $11.4 million to increase the maximum benefit for eligible Mainers under age 65 from $1,000 to $1,500 for property taxes or rent paid.
“Whether you own your home or rent, housing costs continue to put pressure on family budgets,” said O’Halloran. “Expanding the Property Tax Fairness Credit means more Mainers can keep more of their hard-earned money and have a little more breathing room in their budgets.”
In an effort to reduce the struggle many Mainers are facing trying to acquire and retain child care, O’Halloran supported a measure that will invest $10 million in ongoing funding to help clear the Child Care Affordability Program waitlist. The initiative helps residents who are making up to 125% of the state’s median income apply for affordable child care, which has become significantly more expensive in recent years.
“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between going to work and finding affordable child care,” said O’Halloran. “By investing in child care, we’re helping parents stay in the workforce, strengthening our local economy and giving children a strong start.”
O’Halloran is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents Brewer. She serves on the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (O’Halloran) | 305-965-2744