Right now, the cost to live, work and raise a family in Maine is too high. That’s especially true here in Lincoln County. Family budgets just don’t go as far as they used to, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for everyday Mainers to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. It shouldn’t be this way.

This legislative session, my colleagues and I will be focused on doing everything we can to address the real challenges families are facing, from the rising costs of housing and health care to energy and child care. 

One of our biggest priorities will be to pass a supplemental budget, which would make changes to the state’s two-year budget enacted by the Legislature last year. Gov. Janet Mills introduced her budget proposal in January, and now it’s up to the Legislature to craft a final budget that does as much good for as many Mainers as possible. 

Some of the key initiatives she is proposing include one-time $300 relief checks to an estimated 725,000 Mainers, a $70 million investment to build more housing and new funding to strengthen the state’s electric grid and lower electricity costs for ratepayers. It would also maintain 55% of public K-12 education funding, which helps mitigate further increases in property taxes. 

Additionally, the budget would increase minimum pay for teachers, invest in workforce development by making free community college permanent and help decrease prescription drug costs for older Mainers. There are also other important proposals, such as $5.9 million for school bus safety and $3.1 million for Maine Veterans’ Homes.

While there are parts of this proposal that still need work, what is important to me is a shared commitment to lowering housing and energy costs, two issues I have been working on this session. 

The Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee recently voted to advance my bill, LD 2077, to help first-time homebuyers lower their mortgage costs. Here in Lincoln County, 74% of households currently can’t afford the median-priced home. This bill is about keeping the dream of homeownership alive for the people who live and work here, and I look forward to keeping you updated on its progress. 

To help lower electricity costs, I’ve cosponsored LD 2078, which as amended would create a sales tax exemption on all electricity sold and delivered to residential homes throughout the state. While the Legislature is limited in our ability to control the market forces driving up energy costs, we can still provide meaningful relief, especially to those bearing the heaviest burden. The tax cut in this bill will put money directly back into the pockets of those who need it most, because working families shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their lights on and meeting other basic needs. This bill was unanimously passed in committee and will move to the House and Senate for further votes. 

While I am hopeful that these bills will become law, I also want to highlight existing state programs that help offset some property and sales tax costs. The Property Tax Fairness Credit provides eligible Mainers with a refund on property taxes or rent paid, while theSales Tax Fairness Credit helps eligible households offset the burden of sales taxes. If you have questions about eligibility or how to access these credits, I welcome you to reach out to me directly.

In all my legislative work, I will remain focused on fighting for measures that lower costs for working families, so more folks in Lincoln County can get ahead and stay ahead. I can best represent our community by hearing your thoughts on legislation and issues both in our district and across the state.  

If you have thoughts about the budget, need help navigating state government, or just want to share your questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at Wayne.Farrin@legislature.maine.gov

Rep. Wayne Farrin is serving his first term in the Maine House, representing Jefferson, Alna, Whitefield and Wiscasset. He serves as a member of the Marine Resources Committee and the State and Local Government Committee.