Here’s How Mainers Stand To Benefit From Student Loan Forgiveness.

The Biden Administration recently announced a proposal to forgive up to $20,000 of federal student loans for graduates across the country.

That proposal would affect thousands of Maine students making less than $125,000 as an individual or $250,000 as a married couple.

This much needed assistance bolsters existing state-specific loan forgiveness programs that Maine’s lawmakers have already enacted for certain qualified graduates. Among them are teachers certified by the Maine Department of Education, certain Maine health professionals, and some students who choose to live in Maine upon graduation.

Reducing the strain that excessive student debt puts on our state’s economy has been an ongoing effort by Maine’s legislators. Earlier this year, Senator Chip Curry proposed “An Act To Promote Home Ownership by Reducing Education Debt” – a bill designed to forgive up to $40,000 of loans for first time home buyers. The Maine Senate approved the legislation and sent it to the House of Representatives for consideration.

There is no doubt that more work needs to be done to solve this issue. Every person should have the opportunity to attain higher education without experiencing the crushing weight of student debt. Mainers For Working Families applauds our leaders for continuing to work towards providing more relief to Maine’s graduates.

Maine’s Revenue Sharing Increase Cuts Taxes For Working Families.

As the cost of living rises in Maine and across the country, we’re thankful that our state lawmakers have been fighting to help working families support themselves.

Our leaders in Augusta have expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low and moderate-income families; closed the dark store assessment loophole so big box stores pay their fair share of taxes; and they have expanded revenue-sharing to improve essential municipal services like public education and public safety while bringing down property taxes across the state.

For the first time in 13 years, Maine municipalities are expected to receive more than $233 million for fiscal year 2023 as part of the state’s revenue sharing program. That amount represents a 5% share of state revenues collected from sales, personal and corporate income taxes, which will go back to Maine cities and towns. Municipal budgets are largely funded through property taxes, so any additional funding from the state reduces the amount of property taxes our cities and towns need to collect.

The funding demonstrates a steady uptick since 2020, when revenue sharing stood at just 2%. As Governor Mills recently said:

“This is not only basic good governance, but it is an important source of funding for cities and towns that helps deliver all manner of municipal services, like EMS or education, and holds down property tax increases that can hurt older people on fixed incomes.”

Mainers For Working Families welcomes this news from our leaders in Augusta. We applaud Governor Mills and our legislators for increasing Maine’s revenue sharing and continuing to build a fairer tax system for Maine’s working families.

Nov. 8th Absentee Ballots Now Available

Here in Maine, we pride ourselves on having one of the country’s most voter-friendly election systems. From ranked-choice voting to no-excuse absentee voting, Maine voters have many ways to effectively engage in our democracy on their own terms.

With the November 8th midterm elections less than two months away, Mainers now have the opportunity to make their voices heard. That includes requesting an absentee ballot.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

You can request a ballot on the Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions website. Ballots must be returned via mail or in person to your municipal clerk’s office no later than 8 pm on Election Day.

Are there accessible absentee options for voters with disabilities?

Yes, if you have a disability that keeps you from being able to fill out a paper ballot, you have the option to request an accessible absentee ballot that can be delivered electronically. For more information on how this service works, as well as a practice ballot, go to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions website.

When does early voting begin?

Between October 11 and November 3, you can vote early by absentee ballot at your town clerk’s office.

Where can I learn more about who’s on my ballot?

Maine.gov has a helpful voter information lookup system. By providing your address, this system can tell you information on your voting districts and polling place, your elected officials, and provide you with a sample ballot.

It’s never been easier to vote in Maine, so make sure you get out and vote this fall!