By Rep. Ellie Sato  

As summer comes to a close and families begin to prepare for the colder months ahead, there are two issues I have been hearing more about from constituents: the $300 relief checks being sent to eligible Mainers, and how to access heating assistance. 

This year, the Legislature passed a measure that will provide $300 relief checks to help working families and seniors with the rising cost of essentials like gas and groceries. 

This year, the Legislature passed a measure that will provide $300 relief checks to roughly 514,000 Mainers. The state began sending the checks at the end of July.

In order to receive your check, you must be a full-time Maine resident and meet certain income requirements. To demonstrate eligibility, Mainers must file a 2025 state income tax return by Oct. 15, 2026. This is true even if you are not normally required to file a tax return. 

By: Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham 

One of my favorite parts of being a state representative is getting to connect with community members. This summer, I have had the chance to speak with over 600 neighbors across Bowdoin, Durham, Lisbon, Pownal and Topsham. Each town, although unique in many ways, faces many of the same issues – including the rising costs of groceries and unaffordable housing. 

Rep. Wayne Farrin, D-Jefferson

The cost of living in Maine is too high, and families across Lincoln County feel it every day. Whether it’s groceries, electricity bills, childcare or healthcare, too many households are finding that their paychecks don’t stretch as far as they used to.

That’s why working to address affordability was one of the Legislature’s top priorities this year.

By Rep. Parnell Terry 

On July 29, most of the laws passed by the Legislature earlier this year went into effect. This includes the supplemental budget, which makes two years of community college permanently free for Maine students.  

The Legislature has completed its work for the 2025-2026 term, and while there is much to report, there is one item I want to be sure our community knows about.

Recognizing that many Mainers are struggling with rising prices from tariffs and the ongoing Iran war, my colleagues and I passed legislation to return tax dollars directly to you. This will come in the form of $300 checks, which will be mailed to roughly 514,000 tax filers starting at the end of July.

AUGUSTA – A new law supported by Rep. Parnell Terry, D-Gorham, to help provide relief for the rising cost of property taxes is now in effect. 

AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, to help uphold due process in Maine is now in effect.

AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, to protect the stability and integrity of Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program (PFML) by prohibiting the creation of private group trusts is now in effect.

AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, to expand behavioral healthcare access went into effect this week. 

Behavioral health services, including mental healthcare, substance use disorder services, crisis stabilization and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will now be more accessible for Mainers – particularly in rural areas – through LD 721, which provides funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.