Legislative Democrats announce bills to lower costs for Maine Families

The Lower Costs, Stronger Communities policy package targets rising health care, energy, housing, child care, and everyday costs.

AUGUSTA – Maine Legislative Democrats today announced the Lower Costs, Stronger Communities policy package, focused on lowering costs for Maine families and strengthening communities across the state. 

The package, which includes twenty policy proposals to address rising costs, will be championed by members of the Senate and the House. At Wednesday’s press conference, Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) spoke to their proposals, along with Senator Mike Tipping (D-Penobscot) and Representative Ambureen Rana (D-Bangor) as part of a broader effort to deliver practical cost relief for Maine families.  

“Maine people are doing everything right—working hard, caring for their families, and contributing to their communities—but too many are still being squeezed by rising costs they can’t control,” said Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick). “At a time when uncertainty at the federal level is making it harder for families to get ahead, this package is about taking practical, responsible steps to lower everyday costs, protect essential services, and make sure our economy works for Maine families—not the other way around.”

“Every Mainer deserves a roof over their head, food on their table, and utility bills that don’t blow their budgets,” said House Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau (D-Biddeford). “These proposals will protect families and seniors from federal health care cuts, help build the housing we desperately need across Maine, bring down grocery costs, make sure Maine kids get high-quality early childhood education, and give working families some relief in the face of ever-rising energy costs.” 

“As paychecks fail to keep up with the cost of living for too many, we can take action to ensure hardworking Mainers are fairly compensated for the work they do, and can afford to live in this great state,” said Sen. Mike Tipping (D-Orono). “My bill to update the overtime salary threshold and put more money in the pockets of working people is based on a simple idea: when you work, you should get paid for it.”

“With a lack of meaningful progress from the federal government, it’s up to us as state lawmakers to continue investing in housing opportunities for our communities,” said Rep. Ambureen Rana, (D-Bangor). “Making the Low Income Housing Tax Credit permanent will provide a consistent source of funding to incentivize the development of new housing across our state. It will work to alleviate the current shortage and give more Mainers an opportunity to find an affordable place to call home.” 

The Lower Costs Stronger Communities package includes proposals that will be introduced and receive public hearings in the coming weeks, as well as several that were carried over from last session. 

A list of bills included in the package can be found here.