AUGUSTA – Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham, introduced legislation before the Legislature’s Taxation Committee on Wednesday that would help lower electricity costs for working families.
LD 2078 would provide targeted relief for eligible Mainers through a new income tax credit of up to $600 per year, putting money directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. The credit would work similarly to the state’s existing Property Tax Fairness Credit and Sales Tax Fairness Credit, two proven policies that have helped lessen the financial burden facing many Mainers.
“One of the biggest issues I hear from constituents is that the rising cost of living is making it harder and harder for working families to make ends meet, let alone get ahead,” said Webb. “In addition to the increasing costs of housing, health care, groceries and other everyday essentials, the rising cost of energy is creating additional stress and taking more and more out of the pockets of working Mainers. People need relief now, and this is one way the state can provide help.”
Maine has seen significant increases in the cost of electricity over the last several years, largely as a result of the region's dependence on natural gas to produce electricity. The price of natural gas specifically used for electricity generation is up 37%, resulting in a direct impact on the state’s electricity rates. The Public Advocate has stated that Mainers should expect at least a $150 increase in the average electricity bill this year, on top of significant increases last year.
“Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury. No household should have to choose between paying their electricity bill or buying groceries, but these are the hard decisions that too many of our neighbors are being forced to make,” said Webb. “This bill offers a meaningful step forward that will directly help ease the financial burden that countless Mainers are feeling.”
The Legislature’s Taxation Committee will hold a work session on this bill in coming weeks.
Rep. Kilton Webb is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents House District 98, which includes Durham, Pownal and portions of Lisbon, Bowdoin and Topsham. He serves on the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Webb) | 305-965-2744