As with every New Year, I find myself simultaneously reflecting on the successes and struggles of the past year and hoping that 2023 will bring more successes than struggles. This hope has already been met with the announcement of committee assignments over the holiday break. I’m happy to serve again as Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, in addition to serving on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. From my experience as a farmer with focus on environmental protection, it’s an honor to start this new legislative session by continuing my work from the past two years.
While I look forward to the opportunities I will have to make positive change for our communities this year, I’m also aware of the challenges that many Mainers still face. While the holidays can be a time of joy and comfort, many in our communities were also worried due to high heating costs and winter storms. Additionally, with the end of the Emergency Rental Assistance program, many are at risk of being evicted from their homes and left with nowhere to go. The rapid drop in temperature and the weekly snow storms are only making this situation more dangerous and urgent.
On Dec. 7, I was one voice among many who submitted testimony at the public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs in favor of LD 3, “An Act to Establish the Winter Energy Relief Payment Program to Aid Residents with High Heating Costs and to Finalize the COVID Pandemic Relief Payment Program.” The stories from fellow Mainers all over the state formed a chorus of voices describing the heartbreaking experiences of those suffering without homes and without heat. It was heartwarming to hear from the people who work on the frontlines of this crisis to give food and provide shelter for those who are hurting the most. With each person who testified about those experiencing homelessness and families sleeping in their cars, the message became clear: We must provide relief now.
On Jan. 4, my colleagues and I will have a second chance to give the people of Maine the assistance they so desperately need. After the disappointment of Dec.7, we will try to pass LD3 which would provide $450 relief checks to approximately 880,000 Mainers who are struggling to survive with today’s heating costs. The bill would also give supplemental funds to programs like the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Emergency Housing Relief Fund in an effort to provide further assistance to those struggling to heat or remain in their homes. While the bill isn’t ideal, I believe that doing everything we can to help our constituents, neighbors, coworkers, friends and family survive the below-freezing temperatures this winter out-weighs the concerns. Given the extent of the crisis, providing assistance must be our top priority, especially after hearing from so many constituents over the last year.
With the beginning of the first regular session of the 131st Legislature next week, I am hopeful that we will make positive changes in Maine. As I’m writing this, we haven’t yet passed LD 3 through the full Legislature, but I’m hopeful that by the time you read this, the bill will be signed into law. Should we pass this emergency measure, checks are scheduled to go out by the end of January, providing the people of Maine with the assistance they need to stay warm this winter.
If you have questions, ideas or comments throughout the legislative session, please feel free to contact me at Stacy.Brenner@legislature.maine.gov or my legislative office, (207) 287-1515. You can also follow my Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenatorStacyBrenner for more frequent updates.
Sen. Stacy Brenner | (207) 287-1515 | stacy.brenner@legislature.maine.gov
Stacy Brenner is serving her second term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 30, which includes Gorham, part of Buxton, and part of Scarborough. She is the co-owner of Broadturn Farm in Scarborough and is also a certified nurse-midwife. Aide: Ellie Sato, ellie.sato@legislature.maine.gov.