LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
April 2, 2025
The legislative session is in full swing, and we appreciate your ongoing engagement in advocating for policies that support Maine families. This update provides the latest developments on the supplemental and biennial budget, our priority bill, and other key legislation we’re tracking.
Budget Update
After failing to secure a two-thirds vote on the $121 million supplemental budget, lawmakers had to regroup. As a result, the original supplemental budget is now dead, and the Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA) Committee shifted to a new approach.
To maintain critical services, the AFA Committee stripped new initiatives from the biennial budget and converted it into a baseline or “continuing services” budget. They added essential provisions from the failed supplemental into LD 609, including:
- $118 million to address the MaineCare funding gap
- $2 million for Spruce Budworm mitigation
- A cost-of-living adjustment for direct care workers
LD 609 passed with a majority-only vote on Friday, March 21, and the Legislature adjourned sine die. It will take effect around June 20, 2025 (90 days post-adjournment).
This version of the budget covers critical funding for the next two years, but it represents only part one of the full biennial budget. A special session has been called by the Governor to take up the remaining bills and budget items, which will likely be introduced as a second bill later this year.
Our Bill: Public Hearing Recap & Next Steps
The public hearing for LD 641: “An Act to Support Diversion Efforts to Address Homelessness in Maine” took place on Tuesday, March 18, and saw strong support. More than 20 individuals testified in support, including: Rep. Marc Malon, Rep. Melanie Sachs, Community Housing of Maine, Fair Tide, Maine Real Estate Managers Association, Maine State Housing Authority, Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter & Services, Preble Street, Sanford Housing Authority, York County Homelessness Advocacy Committee, and others. Thank you to everyone who submitted testimony and spoke in support! Your voices made a powerful impact, underscoring the urgent need to support homelessness prevention.
The bill has momentum, but it still needs your help. The next step is a work session, where the Housing and Economic Development Committee will vote on whether to advance the bill to the full Legislature.
👉 Take action now: Reach out to committee members and urge them to vote Ought to Pass on LD 641! Click here to reach out to the committee.
United Way of Southern Maine continues to advocate strongly for this bill, and we’ll keep you updated as the work session is scheduled. Let’s keep the pressure on and move LD 641 forward.
Other Bills & Budget Items We’re Tracking
We continue to monitor several legislative and budget measures that impact our mission. Below is a list of key policies and our positions: United Way of Southern Maine April 2025 Bill and Budget Tracking Chart
Stay Engaged
Your advocacy makes a difference! We’ll share updates as our bill progresses, including opportunities for action. In the meantime, please encourage others to sign up for our advocacy alerts to stay informed.
Thank you for being part of this movement for a stronger, more equitable Maine.
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