On May 10, the 131st Maine Legislature came to a close after making significant progress on a number of issues most important to the people of Maine. In this column, I will share some updates on critical measures funded in our supplemental budget and reflections on my first term in office. Last month, Democrats in the Legislature passed a supplemental budget that builds on the historic investments we made last year.
It will expand the income eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program, which will assist recipients on limited incomes in better affording out-of-pocket expenses. This budget also continues to fully fund 55% of K-12 public education costs, and will reimburse towns for expenses associated with the Senior Property Tax Stabilization Program. It will also provide stability for child care providers while implementing the expanded Child Care Affordability Program.
In addition to funding ongoing initiatives, this budget will deliver new investments in emergency housing, low-barrier shelters and more affordable housing options. This housing investment is critical. Those following this column know that I have been beating the drum for more significant investments in housing, especially housing construction, for quite some time.
Initiatives funded in this budget include the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, the Affordable Homeownership Program, and manufactured housing and mobile home park preservation and assistance. Manufactur.
