Augusta – A measure sponsored by Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, to reimburse municipalities for General Assistance paid for the housing of residents of recovery residences was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on July 1.
“With this change, we can assure Winthrop and other small communities that they won’t face steep, unsustainable costs as they support efforts to combat the opioid epidemic,” said Hasenfus. “Substance use disorder isn’t just impacting one community – it’s something that is affecting every corner of Maine. The state, not local property taxpayers, should step up and cover these costs.”
In his testimony to the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, Winthrop Town Manager Anthony Wilson highlighted the bill’s necessity.
“In fiscal year 2022, the Town distributed $4,210 in General Assistance. At that time, the Town typically processed one or two GA applications per month, a workload that was easily absorbed by existing staff,” Wilson wrote. “In FY24, following the recovery homes establishment, that amount soared to $65,511. Through the first eight months of FY25, we have distributed $69,042 in assistance – on pace to eclipse $103,000 in General Assistance this fiscal year.”
As amended, LD 215 directs municipalities to establish maximum levels for housing assistance provided to, or on behalf of, a person residing in a recovery residence. This specific housing assistance provided by municipalities will now be fully reimbursed by the Department of Health and Human Services, reducing the financial strain on Winthrop and other communities. A stakeholder group is also tasked with reviewing the options for managing the costs of General Assistance provided for residents of recovery residences, including the possible expansion or creation of state-funded subsidy programs.
“Recovery residences like the one in Winthrop are an important part of the solution to our state’s opioid epidemic, as they ensure people with substance use disorder get care and get better,” said Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, the lead cosponsor of the bill. “Nevertheless, Maine’s opioid recovery programs are statewide projects supported by State resources. The financial burden should not fall on the property taxpayers in any one community, so I appreciate the State stepping up to assume 100% of the housing assistance granted to individuals at these vital recovery residences.”
The new law will go into effect on Sept. 24, 2025.
Hasenfus is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents the communities of Readfield and Winthrop. He is the House chair of the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Hasenfus) | 305-965-2744