AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced a bill that creates a funding mechanism to support hunger relief before the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation on Friday.
LD 1046 creates a voluntary checkoff box for hunger prevention on Mainers' income tax form. Checkoff boxes are typically used to allow all taxpayers to contribute to specific charitable organizations on their state income tax form. This provides a completely voluntary option for Mainers who wish to financially support ending food insecurity in Maine. Further, the bill establishes the Emergency Food Assistance Program Fund to collect the revenue generated from the income tax checkoff. "This bill enables folks to give back what they can to help neighbors facing food insecurity during these especially difficult times," said Terry. "Hunger and food insecurity carries an immense stigma, particularly for those experiencing it for the first time like so many Mainers have this year. This checkoff option is just like making dinner for a sick friend or community member in need of a little extra support. It provides a way for more of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity to access meals without all of the added stress and fear often associated with asking for help."
The committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Terry, who represents part of Gorham, is serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. She serves as House chair of the Taxation Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Terry], c. 812-1111