Via PPH (Maine)

Lawmakers plan to hold a public hearing next week on a heating and energy relief package would give $450 checks to most Mainers, a proposal that was blocked last week by Senate Republicans.

The hearing is aimed at breaking a stalemate over helping Mainers remain safely housed and warm during the winter. Heating and energy prices – as well as inflation generally – are expected to stretch family budgets thin and limit the reach of existing home heating assistance programs.

Gov. Janet Mills negotiated a $473 million assistance package, funded by a budget surplus, with Democratic and Republican leaders and hoped to pass the proposal last week. Its centerpiece was a round of $450 checks for most taxpayers, as well as $50 million for heating programs and $21 million for emergency housing and shelter.