AIA Maine Legislative Update

Maine Legislature Commences Work – Over 2,000 Bill Titles Submitted

The 131st Maine Legislature is under way, with over 2,000 bill titles submitted for consideration – approximately 500 above average. While most details have yet to emerge, we know that some of the big topics of discussion will include: housing; energy dependence; climate change and the environment; the opioid crisis; and overall government spending. 

We know the latter will be a topic of discussion following the release of the Governor’s proposed budget at $10.2 million – close to $2 million higher than the last proposed biennial budget. The difference is primarily accounted for by additional spending measures introduced as a result of higher-than-anticipated state revenues. 

The Legislature must enact a biennial budget by July 1, 2023, but Democrats may need to act as soon as April 1 if they intend to pass a budget without bipartisan support, as they did in 2021. In that case, the budget needs to be enacted by April 1 to allow 90 days for it to take effect in time for the July 1 deadline. Much remains to be seen on what strategy Democrats will deploy this session. 

Joint Select Committee on Housing to Study Acceleration of Housing Development and Affordability 

The Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross and Senate President Troy Jackson have established a Joint Select Committee on Housing. This Joint Select Committee will meet regularly throughout the 131st Legislature in an attempt to understand the state’s current needs in housing and enact policy to accelerate housing creation in Maine.  The Housing Committee will meet in the ENR Room of the Cross Building in Augusta on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the session. As we know more about their schedule of events and potential opportunities for AIA member input, we will be sure to let you know!

  • Senator Teresa Pierce (D- Falmouth) - Chair

  • Representative Traci Gere – (D-Kennebunkport) Chair 

  • Senator Matthew Pouliot (R- Augusta)

  • Senator Eloise Vitelli (D – Arrowsic)

  • Representative Mark Blier (R – Buxton) 

  • Representative Dick Bradstreet (R – Vassalboro)

  • Representative Dick Campbell (R- Orrington)

  • Representative Drew Gattine (D – Westbrook)

  • Representative Cheryl Golek (D – Harspwell)

  • Representative Grayson Lookner (D – Portland)

  • Representative Joshua Morris (R – Turner)

  • Representative Ambureen Rana (D – Bangor)

  • Representative Holly Stover (D – Boothbay)

AIA MaineJeannette Schram