Gov. Mills announces $474M winter heating relief proposal

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The vote on a proposal for winter heating relief that would provide $900 checks to most families is now in the hands of the House.

Governor Mills and legislative negotiators have agreed upon the $474 million relief program.

The Senate pushed the bill through to the house, so it will be voted on later Wednesday evening.

It calls for $450 payments to an estimated 880,000 Mainers, adding up to $900 total for an average family.

Mills says it’s important for lawmakers to make the emergency legislation their first priority.

The proposal also calls for setting aside extra money for energy assistance and emergency housing programs.

A two-thirds majority vote will be necessary for the bill to go into effect immediately, allowing checks to be mailed next month.

Once the proposal is passed by legislature, it will be turned over to the Governor.

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