It's budget crunch time! Here are Maine Equal Justice's updated priorities

Last week, Governor Mills updated the legislature on her spending priorities for this year’s budget, known as the supplemental budget. The amount of money Maine brings in from taxes (revenues) is $373 million more than first expected for the next two years, which means the legislature has to choose how to invest or save it. 

Decisions about the state budget will be made very soon (mostly by members of the budget committee, called Appropriations and Financial Affairs) and Maine Equal Justice staff are busy advocating (alongside many of you!) for investments that would benefit Maine people with low income and all of our communities. 

Investments in housing and other basic needs are how we build a future together, supporting our workforce, keeping our communities safe, and allowing everyone to thrive. In very simple terms, MEJ is asking legislators to prioritize helping more people afford a safe place to live (rent relief), afford health care (Medicare Savings Program and MaineCare for all, including immigrants), and be able to access justice regardless of income (civil legal aid). We’re also asking them to reject harmful cuts to state-funded SNAP (food assistance) and emergency General Assistance. 

Dive into the details with us, below! And if you’re interested in being part of this work, be sure to sign up to get updates and advocate! 

Housing and General Assistance

One of our top priorities in the budget is rent relief targeted to help Maine families at high risk of eviction because of skyrocketing rents. A bill (LD 1540) could be incorporated into the budget to do this, but we are asking legislators on the Appropriations Committee to change it to better meet the needs of those with the lowest incomes – especially those at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI), which is about $28,000 a year. Members of both the Housing Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee have told the Appropriations Committee that rent relief is something they would like to see funded. 

We’re also calling on lawmakers to reject a proposal that would limit access to emergency General Assistance, which is often a resource of last resort for people facing eviction or homelessness. At a time when families, cities and towns are struggling to deal with the housing crisis, it doesn’t make sense to risk more people in communities across the state becoming and remaining unhoused.

Food Security

We called on legislators to reject cuts that Gov. Mills has proposed to state-funded SNAP for immigrants with a work permit but who are unemployed–and on Monday, a majority of the Appropriations Committee voted to do just that! There are many reasons that people may be unable to immediately become employed upon receiving a work permit, and this proposal would have harmed those who lose employment and are seeking a new job. It’s very hard to find work when you’re hungry or spending time trying to find your next meal, which is why food assistance is a proven work support. 

Health Care

Gov. Mills also proposed cutting expanded eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program that was included with unanimous bipartisan support in last year’s budget. We’re asking legislators to reject those cuts, which would especially hurt older Mainers with low income. 

We're calling for the legislature to include funding to end exclusions in MaineCare for Mainers who are ineligible due to their immigration status. This discrimination worsens disparities and negatively impacts people’s health, and their ability to work and go to school, and the wellbeing of families.

Civil Legal Aid

Civil legal aid works to protect people from domestic and financial abuse and neglect; to keep people housed; to help them get and keep jobs; to keep custody of a child; to gain access to health care; and much more. We’re asking legislators to continue funding for Maine’s civil legal aid organizations (this includes MEJ) in the budget. One-time funding in last year’s budget strengthened the legal capacity of the network, but ongoing funds are needed to keep it going. Members of the Judiciary Committee support funding for this bill. 

Our budget bottom line 

No matter our income, our race, where we come from, or whether we live in the country or the city, we are Mainers together. Our state budget should reflect that! The state has a surplus that can fund rent relief for Mainers who are struggling with sky high rents and the cost of health care, food, and access to justice. Preventing higher costs later on through smart investments today, and designing a solution to fit the real size of Maine’s needs, is fiscally responsible. If you agree, please send your legislators a letter advocating for rent relief!