The Maine Legislature is considering a bill that aims to address the state's lack of affordable housing, the need for increased energy efficiency and the need for new jobs.
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By Staff
The Maine Legislature s Labor and Housing Committee has endorsed a bill that would provide $100 million over two years to building energy-efficient affordable housing.
The bill, LD 1656, is not only aimed at filling the affordable housing gap, but also addresses the state s skilled labor shortage, the quality of rental housing for low-income Mainers and the state s climate change goals.
The money would go to MaineHousing, the state s housing authority, which would work with developers to create multifamily housing that would be required to include 55% to 60% as set-rate apartments, with the rest being market-rate.
State Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, is sponsor. At its May 10 public hearing the bill was supported by people from the the construction and building industries, as well as renters, people who have been homeless and housing advocates. The committee backed the bill by a vote of 8-4.
Maine Bill Seeks to Prohibit Seclusion, Restraints in Schools
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A bill in the Maine legislature would prohibit the use of seclusion and limit the use of restraints in schools and other educational organizations that receive public funding in Maine, which data shows leads the country in their use.
Some parents spoke out against the proposed ban on Monday saying that when used appropriately, restraints and seclusion allow their children with autism or other disabilities to stay in their classrooms, the Portland Press Herald reported.
Maine restrains more students per capita than any other state, according to an analysis of school data that was done by Disability Rights Maine. The state secludes students at the second highest rate, the group said, adding that about 90% of students who are secluded or restrained have a disability.
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