Update from Rep. Gary Friedmann

Dear Neighbor,

After many long days and nights at the State House, we’re getting close to wrapping up our work for the legislative session. I’m proud to report that last week we accomplished one of our biggest goals: passing a supplemental budget that truly delivers for Maine’s working families.

It’s often said that budgets are a reflection of our values. In crafting this budget, Mainers across the state told us what that should look like – protecting access to health care, providing property tax relief, making child care more affordable, and strengthening our communities.

Democrats listened, and we fought for a budget that will do the most amount of good for the most people in our state.

The budget protects core services by providing critical funding for MaineCare, K-12 public education and the state’s Highway Fund. It will help feed hungry kids by closing the gap in our universal meals program, and it will clear the Child Care Affordability Program waitlist so families can find the child care they need.

The budget also provides $11.4 million in direct property tax relief through the Property Tax Fairness Credit by increasing the maximum benefit for Mainers under 65. And it includes important funding to help us build more housing and continue addressing the shortage of units throughout our state.

While Washington is stuck in gridlock and dysfunction, we’re doing everything we can in the Legislature to make sure hard-working, everyday Mainers can afford to live, work, and build a life here.

I look forward to sharing more details about this budget and the rest of our work this session in the coming weeks. As always, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rep. Gary Friedmann

Serving House District 14

(207) 460-7362

Gary.Friedmann@legislature.maine.gov

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