Maine Gets Additional $5 Million

On January 5, Maine Governor John Baldacci signed into law a bill providing $5 million to supplement the state’s LIHEAP. The bill had been fast-tracked through the state House and Senate during the first two days of the 2006 legislative session.

Normally, legislative bills are sent to a committee for debate, but the Democratic and Republican leadership in the Senate and the House strongly agreed that passage of the LIHEAP funding bill, LD 1891, should be a top priority.

Based on current fuel prices, advocates have estimated that $10 million in additional funds is necessary to enable Maine to meet its fuel assistance needs. The Governor noted that Maine residents can also contribute to his fundraising initiative, the Keep Maine Warm Charitable Fuel Fund. Its focus is to raise an additional $5 million in individual, corporate and foundation donations. Funds will be used to provide emergency fuel assistance to households ineligible for LIHEAP.

Source: Governor’s press release, Maine newspapers

Page Last Updated: January 9, 2006