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.

My colleagues and I worked to pass legislation and make targeted investments that aim to lower costs, strengthen essential services and put more money back into the pockets of Maine people. Many of those new laws and budget provisions took effect at the end of July, making meaningful progress for families, workers and older Mainers across our state.

One of the most important actions we took was passing the supplemental budget, which updates the two-year state budget enacted last year. The measure makes critical investments in healthcare, education, transportation infrastructure and direct support for Maine families while preserving the services people rely on every day.

The budget fully funds MaineCare, protecting access to healthcare and food assistance for eligible Mainers. It also maintains the state’s commitment to fund 55% of K-12 public education costs, helping ease pressure on local property taxpayers. In addition, it closes a significant gap in the Highway Fund so Maine can continue maintaining the roads and bridges that connect our communities and support our economy.

Perhaps most important for many households, the budget provides direct affordability relief through $300 checks for qualifying Mainers. Those payments began going out at the end of July and are intended to help offset the higher costs families have faced in recent months. Eligibility information is available through the Maine Revenue Services website. 

The Legislature also continued investments that help families manage everyday expenses. We maintained support for childcare affordability programs, strengthened funding for school meals, expanded assistance for older Mainers through Meals on Wheels and invested in the direct care workforce that supports children, seniors and people with disabilities. These practical investments make a real difference for families while ensuring vulnerable Mainers receive the care and services they need.

Beyond the budget, several other laws taking effect this summer will make a positive impact in our communities. We approved additional funding for county jails, which helps reduce pressure on local property taxes. We extended death benefits for transportation workers killed on the job and created a new independent state advocate for children to strengthen oversight and protect Maine’s youngest residents. 

The work we do in Augusta is strongest when it reflects the experiences of the people we serve, and there is still a lot more work to do. I hear regularly from residents in Jefferson, Alna, Whitefield and Wiscasset about the challenges they face and the issues that matter most to them. Those conversations help shape my decisions in the Legislature, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our communities.

As always, please feel free to contact me at Wayne.Farrin@legislature.maine.gov with your questions, concerns or ideas.

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