Committee unanimously supports Sen. LaFountain bill to boost fundraising efforts for local charities and nonprofits
AUGUSTA — On Friday, March 3, Sen. Dave LaFountain’s bill, LD 147 “An Act to Increase the Amount of Money Allowed to Be Raised for a Charitable Purpose by Certain Raffles,” received unanimous, bipartisan support from the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.
“In Maine, we value elected leaders who really listen to their neighbors, and who we can trust to look out for us,” said Sen. LaFountain. “One idea being explored by the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee is my bill, LD 147, which increases the amount of money raised for charitable purposes through raffles and other games of chance. I’m grateful to the committee for their strong, bipartisan support.”
LD 147 would allow for more money to be raised for charitable purposes through games of chance. This bill would directly benefit communities served by organizations like the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce. Fundraisers such as the Festival of Trees in Waterville raise money for organizations that provide critical support for organizations that provide services to community members.
“Local businesses receive unprecedented amounts of exposure by putting trees into these festivals, as thousands of people view them annually,” said Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce CEO Kimberly Lindlof in testimony supporting the bill. “In the case of the Alfond Youth and Community Center, it funds its after school meals program and weekend backpack program. The community goodwill that these events create can’t be stressed enough.”
LD 147 now faces votes before the Senate and House.
