LD 2066 establishes a new state-funded Child Care Employment Award program to support child care providers and workers in Maine. The bill allocates $3 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year to fund direct payments to eligible child care providers, with an additional $122,318 to create a new Social Services Program Specialist position to administer the award. This program, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, provides ongoing financial support to help child care providers retain staff and cover operational costs. The funding is specifically designated in the state budget under the Child Care Services initiative.
This bill, LD 2059, provides $13 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $9 million in 2026-27 from the General Fund to reimburse assigned counsel (public defenders) for constitutionally and statutorily required court-appointed representation in Maine. It directly affects public defense systems statewide by addressing a funding shortfall for compensating lawyers who represent indigent defendants. The key provision is a one-time appropriation to cover unpaid reimbursements for counsel services during those fiscal years. The bill does not include funding for establishing a public defender office in Cumberland County, as that was removed in committee amendments.
LD 792 allocates $300,000 from the General Fund for a one-time research project. The bill funds the Christine B. Foundation to study how access to medically tailored groceries and dietitian counseling impacts cancer patients and their families. This research will evaluate whether these specific support services improve health outcomes for those affected by cancer. The funding is limited to the 2025-26 fiscal year with no subsequent allocations.
This bill provides one-time funding of $1.09 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and $2.27 million for 2026-27 to the Maine Resiliency Center in Lewiston. It directly supports residents statewide affected by trauma through existing services focused on connection, information, and support. The funding enables the Center to continue and expand its current programs without creating new initiatives. This is a financial allocation from the General Fund, not a new policy or service mandate. The bill specifically targets trauma recovery services for community members, not other healthcare areas.
LD 875 provides $4 million in state funding from the General Fund to support essential services for victims of domestic violence in Maine. The bill directly affects victims by ensuring access to critical resources like shelter, counseling, and legal assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services. It allocates $4 million annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 under the "Purchased Social Services" initiative. The legislation is designated as an emergency to ensure funding begins at the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year, addressing immediate needs for safety and support.
This bill allocates $60,000 from the General Fund to the Town of Kittery for one-time renovations and maintenance at Fort McClary State Historic Site in Kittery Point. It directly funds the restoration and preservation of this historic location, which is managed by the Town of Kittery. The funding is a one-time appropriation for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with no subsequent allocation in 2026-27. The bill does not create new policies but provides specific financial support for historic site upkeep.
LD 415 provides $1 million annually from the General Fund to fund the Statewide Hunger Relief Program under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. This funding supports contracts with nonprofit organizations that deliver hunger relief services across Maine. The bill allocates $1 million for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, creating ongoing financial support for these community-based services. It directly affects nonprofit groups providing food assistance by securing stable, multi-year funding for their operations.
This bill creates a dedicated fund within Maine's Secretary of State's office to cover the costs of producing and delivering election materials like ballots and voter guides. It mandates an annual $266,000 transfer from the General Fund (adjusting for inflation every two years) to support these materials, with unused funds carried forward annually. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of State to reconvene a 9-member working group - including education officials, school association representatives, and advocates - to study using school buildings as polling places. The group must examine security, accessibility, and best practices across states, then submit recommendations by December 15, 2025.
LD 361 provides a one-time state appropriation of $200,000 from the General Fund to support the Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton, Maine, for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This funding is intended to assist the center's operations and educational programs. The bill directly affects the Francis Malcolm Science Center and the students and educators it serves in Easton. It was introduced by Senator Bernard and cosponsored by several other legislators.
This bill allocates $225,000 annually from the General Fund to support the Maine Discovery Museum's STEM education programs statewide. It directly funds three specific initiatives: the Maine Science Festival, the Maine Invention Convention, and the Science Around ME program. The funding is intended to sustain these educational efforts for students across Maine, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The bill provides ongoing financial support without altering existing laws or creating new regulations.
