Tim Nangle: Easing the property tax burden for Mainers

By State Sen. Tim Nangle

Ensuring Maine’s seniors can afford to stay in their homes is a priority beyond politics. Property taxes can be a significant burden, especially for older Mainers on fixed incomes. In response, we have enhanced and expanded essential programs to support seniors and working families.

State Senator Tim Nangle

One of the pivotal programs we've enhanced is the Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC). This credit is crucial for income-eligible Mainers, whether renting or owning their homes. Recognizing the need for more targeted relief, we have increased the maximum benefit for seniors by $500. This enhancement ensures the credit is more substantial for those over 65, providing a critical lifeline to our older residents.

Notably, the PTFC is refundable, meaning eligible individuals will receive the credit as a refund even if they owe no state income tax. This feature is particularly beneficial for older Mainers living on fixed incomes. The amount of the credit is determined based on income eligibility and age. I encourage you to visit the Maine Revenue Services website for more information on eligibility and the application process: maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/income-tax-credits/property-tax-fairness-credit.

Another important program we've strengthened is the Property Tax Deferral Program. This program is designed to help older Mainers and individuals with disabilities remain in their homes even if they fall behind on property taxes. Through this program, the state pays the property taxes owed to the municipality, and repayment is deferred until the property is sold or the estate is settled.

During the 131st Maine Legislature, we increased eligibility of this program, broadening its reach to ensure that more older Mainers on the brink could benefit. This increase reflects our commitment to supporting the generation who has contributed so much to our community. To learn more about the Property Tax Deferral Program and see if you qualify, please visit maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs/deferral-program

We also have specific programs to ease the property tax burden for our veterans. Veterans who have served during recognized war periods are 62 years or older, or are 100 percent disabled can receive a $6,000 reduction in the assessed value of their home through the Veteran Exemption. Additionally, paraplegic veterans who have received a federal grant for specially adapted housing may qualify for a $50,000 exemption. These benefits are one way of honoring the service of our veterans and ensuring they can live comfortably in their homes.

Another valuable program for property tax relief is the Homestead Exemption. This program reduces up to $25,000 in the assessed value of your primary residence for property tax purposes.

To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of Maine and have owned a home in the state for at least 12 months before applying. Once approved, the exemption remains in effect as long as your ownership and residency status do not change. This exemption is a significant benefit for all home-owning Maine residents, especially for those on fixed incomes, as it directly lowers the taxable value of your home, reducing your overall property tax bill.

Beyond these specific programs, I was proud to support budgets that ensure the state fully funds its share of K-12 public education and the revenue sharing program, which returns a portion of sales tax revenue to municipalities. These efforts are crucial because property taxpayers bear the additional burden when the state does not fulfill its financial commitments. By ensuring that the state adequately funds these areas, we aim to stabilize property taxes across the board, benefiting all Mainers.

For a comprehensive overview of all property tax relief programs available, please visit the Maine Revenue Services property tax relief page: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs. These resources are here to help you navigate and apply for assistance.

Our efforts to provide property tax relief are about ensuring that our seniors, working class families and veterans can continue to live in the homes and communities they cherish without financial strain. I am committed to working for you and ensuring that our community remains a great place to live for everyone.

Even though we are out of session, I am a resource and advocate for you all year. Contact me directly at Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov or call the Senate Majority Office at 207-287-1515. For the latest updates, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle, and sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <

Tim Nangle: Supporting the people of Lewiston

By State Senator Tim Nangle

In the wake of the recent tragedy in Lewiston, we must do all we can to support the victims, their families, and the entire community that was affected by this horrific shooting. Although this tragedy did not happen in our area, Maine is "one big small town" at heart, and we’re all still reeling from the loss. With that in mind, I’d like to offer support and share resources that directly help Lewiston and the broader community.

State Sen. Tim Nangle

A safe haven has been established for those directly impacted by the mass shooting — the Lewiston Armory Family Assistance Center. Here, victims and their loved ones can find assistance, support, and a community of care. It's also a resource for survivors coping with the aftermath, even if they were not physically harmed.

The broader Lewiston community also needs our support. The Compassionate Care Fund for Trauma Response and Support by Central Maine Medical Center is available to help the entire city begin to heal. To learn more or contribute to these efforts, please get in touch with giving@cmhc.org or visit the "Ways to Give" section on the Central Maine Medical Center website.

In response to the immediate and evolving needs stemming from this crisis, the Maine Community Foundation created the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund. All proceeds go to helping the Lewiston community heal and process the trauma of this mass shooting. Contributions can be made through their dedicated website. The City of Lewiston has also established a fund specifically to support the families and victims of this tragedy. Donations can be made directly on the City of Lewiston's donation page.

At all times, and especially now, our children's well-being is paramount. The Lewiston Public Schools Support Portal has been set up to address the needs of our students during this challenging time. Donations can be made through their website.

For anyone in need of immediate emotional support, the 988 Crisis Hotline is available. By calling or texting 988, you can access confidential assistance at any time. Crisis specialists are ready to respond and can also engage through an online chat via the Lifeline and 988 website.

It’s important to remind our teens and young adults that they are not alone. The NAMI Maine Teen Text Line specifically supports our younger community members. Reach out by texting (207) 515-8398 between noon and 10 p.m., seven days a week, or visit the NAMI Maine website.

As a former paramedic, I understand the mental toll that these tragedies can have on our first responders. For those on the front lines, including clinicians, educators, and first responders, the FrontLine WarmLine provides free support services. These heroes who manage disaster stress can access this resource by calling (207) 221-8196 or texting (207) 898-211 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Additional resources and ways to support Lewiston can be found on the Governor’s website at maine.gov/governor/mills/Lewiston.

As always, if you have questions or need any support, please reach out to me at Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov or call my Augusta office at 207-287-1515. For the latest updates, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle, and sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <

Tim Nangle: Beneficial property tax relief changes you should know about

By State Sen. Tim Nangle

As your state senator, one of my primary responsibilities is to inform you about changes that directly impact your life. Recently, the 131st Legislature made some substantial adjustments to our state's property tax programs, which will better target relief to folks who need it the most.

State Sen. Tim Nangle

Last year, the 130th Legislature passed LD 290, which created the Property Tax Stabilization Program. While this program was well-intentioned and seemed good on the surface, municipalities and financial experts soon identified that this program would have quickly become financially unsustainable. It had the potential to strain our state and local budgets, putting added pressure on fellow property taxpayers. It was clear we needed to make a change.

This year, the Taxation Committee worked to address this issue. After thoughtful deliberation and bipartisan agreement, the committee amended and approved LD 130, "An Act to Eliminate Senior Citizen Property Tax Stabilization and Expand the Homestead Property Tax Exemption."

This bill made two important changes to existing programs that significantly benefit seniors living on a fixed income. It sunsets the unworkable Property Tax Stabilization Program while expanding two existing, better-targeted programs — the Property Tax Fairness Credit and the Senior Property Tax Deferral Program. The changes put forward in this bill were included in the biennial budget.

This change has a variety of advantages over the previous program. Under the old Property Tax Stabilization Program, the average Maine senior would have saved $128 per year. Now, seniors will save on average close to $500 per year — a substantial increase that makes a real difference for those living on a tight budget. To make sure financial relief reaches those who need it, the Property Tax Fairness Credit will see substantial improvements. The credit's maximum benefit will increase, and the income qualifications have been extended so more folks can receive this credit. Importantly, because the Property Tax Fairness Credit is also available to renters, this change ensures that seniors who choose to sell their homes and move into apartments won’t suddenly lose their aid. It doesn't just benefit long-term homeowners; it also extends support to seniors who rent or who have recently downsized to an apartment.

Perhaps one of the best changes is that you won’t need to go to the town office and fill out any special forms to get this credit. All you have to do is file your income taxes; if you qualify, you get it. If you need help filling out your taxes, you can reach out to CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide for free assistance.

The Senior Property Tax Deferral Program was also expanded. By relaxing income and asset restrictions, the program can now benefit more Mainers. For homeowners who have fallen behind on property taxes, the updated law allows them to enter the deferral program — a change specifically recommended by Legal Services for the Elderly.

These changes will go into effect in January 2024. Those who were previously part of the Property Tax Stabilization Program should file their income tax – even if you haven’t needed to file in a while, or know you don’t owe taxes — to qualify for the Property Tax Fairness Credit, which has been enhanced to better direct relief. Information about this credit, as well as the existing Homestead Exemption Program, is available on the official website of Maine Revenue Services: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/

The changes to these programs are a testament to our shared commitment to supporting those who have worked hard to build our communities over generations. I’m going to keep working to ensure fair treatment and economic stability for all Mainers, including our seniors.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, wants to discuss legislation, or needs help connecting with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov, and my office phone number is 207-287-1515. You can find me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle. To receive regular updates, sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <

Tim Nangle: Ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals

By Senator Tim Nangle

We should do all we can to support our children's physical health and academic success. Access to nutritious, locally sourced meals in our schools and at home is vital to reaching that goal. As we pass the half-year mark, I want to bring your attention to two critical programs that have helped transform student nutrition in Maine schools.

State Senator Tim Nangle

First, let's turn to a recent milestone, LD 921 — a bill from my colleague Sen. Cameron Reny — and a victory in our legislative efforts to improve school nutrition. This bill was passed with unanimous, bipartisan support and has now been signed into law by Gov. Mills. This legislation expands the variety of locally produced food products available for purchase and use by our schools through the Local Foods Fund.

In the 129th Legislature, Sen. Eloise Vitelli sponsored LD 454, “An Act To Encourage the Purchase of Local Produce for Public Schools,” which funded the Local Produce Fund for the first time. Then in the 130th Legislature, after hearing feedback from school districts across Maine, Sen. Vitelli sponsored LD 636, “An Act To Encourage the Purchase of Local Foods for Public Schools,” which broadened the eligibility criteria for the Local Produce Fund to further benefit Maine farmers, schools and students. It also changed the name of the program to the Local Foods Fund.

This year, thanks to Sen. Reny’s bill, LD 921, we removed restrictive language from the statute, enabling our schools to access more fresh food products made right here in Maine.

For our children, this means more healthy, locally sourced meals. For our farmers, it means more opportunities to contribute to our schools and connect with local buyers. And for our state's economy, it’s another opportunity to thrive as we invest in our own backyard. We are building bridges between our school cafeterias and local farms, fostering a greater understanding among our students of the essential role agriculture plays in our economy.

It’s also crucial to ensure our children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. This is what the Summer Food Service Program, or as the Maine Department of Education fittingly calls it, "Hot Lunch Summer," is all about.

The Hot Lunch Summer program’s goal is to make sure that no child is hungry when school is not in session. In a state as rural and community oriented as ours, it is so important that we look out for each other, especially for our youngest Mainers. As part of this initiative, free meals that meet federal nutritional guidelines are provided to all children ages 18 and under at approved sites.

I am proud to share that locations such as the Gray-New Gloucester High School in Gray and the Westbrook Community Center and Saccarappa School in Westbrook are offering these vital services. From July 11 to Aug. 10, the Gray-New Gloucester High School will serve breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

From June 26 to Aug. 11, the Westbrook Community Center will provide breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to noon on weekdays. The Saccarappa School, on the same dates, will offer breakfast from 8-8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon, Monday to Thursday.

To see all the sites providing free meals, you can use the interactive map viewer on the Department of Education’s website here: www.maine.gov/doe/hotlunchsummer.

Our kids are the future. They are our very own budding scientists, teachers, artists and leaders. Ensuring they receive the nutrition they need is not just our duty — it's our privilege. The passage of LD 921 and the continuation of the "Hot Lunch Summer" reflect our state's strong commitment to Maine children.

Let’s continue this momentum forward and put Maine and its people first. Together, we are making a difference — for our children, for our farmers, and for our economy. And as we've seen, we do it best when we do it together.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, wants to discuss legislation, or needs help connecting with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov, and my office phone number is 207-287-1515. You can find me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle. To receive regular updates, sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <

Tim Nangle: Paid family and medical leave ‘the way life should be’

By State Senator Tim Nangle

There's a chance right now to make a real difference for families in Maine. LD 1964 is a bill that would create a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program in Maine. This would be a lifeline that can help hardworking Mainers balance life and work during the toughest times.

State Senator Tim Nangle

This bill, carefully crafted by State Sen. Mattie Daughtry and State Rep. Kristen Cloutier, proposes a statewide paid family and medical leave program. This proposal would grant up to 12 weeks of paid leave for Mainers with qualifying life events, ensuring job protection for employees who have been with their employer for at least 120 days.

The program would be funded by a wage contribution shared equally between employees and employers, equivalent to 1 percent or less of an employee's wages. Critically, the legislation provides flexibility for our small businesses, allowing employers with 15 or fewer workers and those offering comparable leave plans to opt out. However, people who work for a small business would still be eligible to participate.

The PFML program is designed to offer support during critical life events. It would allow employees to take paid time off for a specific set of reasons. This includes joyous occasions like welcoming a new child into the family through birth, adoption or fostering. It also recognizes the challenges many face, such as supporting a sick or dying loved one, caring for an older family member, or recovering from surgery, an accident, or other health issues.

Additionally, it provides leave for those preparing for or transitioning back from a family member’s military deployment as well as for immediate safety needs if you or a family member are a victim of domestic or sexual violence. The bill is designed to be inclusive, recognizing a wide spectrum of personal and family needs.

However, it's essential to understand that not all reasons for leave would be covered by the bill. For instance, the proposed legislation does not cover extended time off for personal vacations or other non-critical personal matters. This ensures the program can sustainably support those most in need while being fair to employers and other employees.

Only 15 percent of American workers have access to paid leave, and fewer than 60 percent have access to unpaid leave under the federal Family Medical Leave Act. Maine is the only state in New England without a PFML program. It is time for us to join the 14 other states and the District of Columbia that already have these programs.

The pressing need for this legislation was made clear in the testimony of one of our very own neighbors, Emer Smith, a resident of Windham. Emer bravely shared her experiences of struggling to care for her dying mother and her premature daughter while also trying to meet her work obligations. Her story underscores the urgent need for a paid family and medical leave program in Maine. Emer’s story is not unique; far too many Mainers face similar difficult choices between work, health, and family.

Adopting PFML will give employees the flexibility and support they need during life’s most challenging moments. It will allow workers to balance caring for their children and aging family members while supporting their health and financial needs. For employers, PFML is a tool to attract and retain desperately needed workers, an issue that has only grown more pressing in recent years.

As this bill heads to the Senate and House for votes, please share your stories, and join our collective effort to make this vision a reality.

The passage of the Paid Family and Medical Leave bill is not just a matter of policy — it is a testament to our values as a community and a state. We believe in the strength of our families, in the resilience of our workers, and in our collective responsibility to support each other during challenging times. Let’s keep fighting for a Maine that truly embodies "the way life should be."

If you or someone you know needs assistance, wants to discuss legislation, or needs help connecting with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov, and my office phone number is 207-287-1515. You can find me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle. To receive regular updates, sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <

Celebrating Maine’s Sweetest Tradition: Maine Maple Sunday

By State Sen. Tim Nangle

I’m proud to represent communities in our great state, known for its vibrant agriculture and rich cultural heritage. One of the highlights of the start of the spring season in Maine is the annual celebration of Maine Maple Sunday, an event that highlights the state's maple syrup industry and its significance to our economy and way of life.

State Sen. Tim Nangle

Maple syrup production has a storied history in Maine, which began when Indigenous Peoples in northeast America first discovered the sweet sap of the sugar maple tree. Today, Maine is the country's third-largest producer of maple syrup, with more than 450 licensed maple producers across the state, generating 672,000 gallons in 2022 alone.

Maine Maple Sunday began as a small local event in 1983 and has since grown into a statewide tradition that draws thousands of visitors from across the country each year. On the fourth Sunday in March, maple producers throughout the state open their doors to the public, inviting visitors to witness the process of making pure Maine maple syrup and other maple products.

Maine Maple Sunday is an opportunity to learn about the hard work and dedication that goes into producing maple syrup, from tapping the trees to boiling the sap down into syrup. Visitors can see the process up close, sample delicious treats, and enjoy the great outdoors. Many sugarhouses and farms offer tours, demonstrations, and activities for children, making it a fun and educational event for the whole family.

The Maine Maple Producers Association has an online interactive map that you can use to find local sugarhouses that will be participating this year.

To view the map, visit https://mainemapleproducers.com/events/maine-maple-weekend/.

This fun, annual occasion is also an important opportunity to support our local farms and businesses. By visiting sugarhouses and farms during Maine Maple Sunday, we can help support these vital parts of our economy and preserve our agricultural heritage for future generations.

Many of these maple producers are small, family-owned farms that have been passed down from generation to generation. These farms are an essential part of Maine's agricultural landscape, and they contribute significantly to our economy.

According to the Maine Maple Producers Association, our farms produce “more than $55.6 million for the Maine economy and support more than 833 full-time and part-time jobs that generate more than $26.9 million in wages.”

Maine Maple Sunday is more than just a one-day event. It is part of a larger movement to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Maine. Many participating farms and sugarhouses are committed to responsible forestry practices and environmental conservation, ensuring that their operations are profitable and sustainable for generations to come.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Maine Maple Sunday, we must acknowledge the impact of climate change on Maine farmers and our agriculture.

The Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee recently voted unanimously to pass Sen. Henry Ingwersen’s bill, LD 315, which will provide funding for drought relief and other programs benefiting Maine farmers. The bill will now go before the full Maine Legislature for additional votes.

LD 315 is crucial for ensuring the resilience of our agricultural sector in the face of changing weather patterns and other environmental challenges. By supporting this bill and other efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, we can ensure that Maine's farms and farmers continue to thrive for generations to come.

Maine Maple Sunday is a day to celebrate our state's heritage, promote sustainable agriculture, and support our local businesses. It is a day to come together as a community and appreciate our farmers' and producers' hard work and dedication. So please mark your calendars for March 26, and join us as we celebrate Maine Maple Sunday.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, wants to discuss legislation, or needs help connecting with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov, and my office phone number is 207-287-1515. Also, you can find me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle. To receive regular updates, sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <

 

Tim Nangle: Emergency energy relief is on the way

By State Senator Tim Nangle

In challenging times, it is more important than ever that we come together as a community to support one another. Mainers help Mainers; that’s just what we do. And in the harsh Maine winters, there is nothing more crucial than ensuring that our neighbors have a warm and safe place to call home. That is why I was honored to vote LD 3, “An Act to Establish the Winter Energy Relief Payment Program to Aid Residents with High Heating Costs and to Finalize the COVID Pandemic Relief Payment Program.”

State Sen. Tim Nangle

This bill, now law, will provide much-needed emergency energy relief payments to those struggling to afford heating costs or at risk of becoming unhoused. First, it allocates $40 million for heating assistance for households eligible for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program, as well as $10 million for emergency fuel deliveries. It also includes $21 million for emergency housing to help prevent Mainers from becoming unhoused or unsheltered during the frigid winter months.

This law also establishes the Winter Energy Relief Payment Program, which provides one-time payments of $450 to eligible Maine residents to help cover the rising costs of energy and heat. People who filed a Maine State income tax return by Oct. 31, 2022 and had an income less than $200,000 if filing a married joint return, $150,000 if filing as a head of household, or $100,000 if filing as a single individual or married individual filing a separate return.

These checks are expected to start rolling out at the end of this month and should be finished by the end of March.

Before I became your state senator, I knocked on hundreds of doors and listened to the concerns of my neighbors. I have heard firsthand the struggles many folks in our community face to heat their homes. It is clear that this is a real and pressing concern for many Mainers.

After a vote on the emergency energy relief plan initially failed, many of you reached out to tell me just how vital this assistance would be for you and your families. The people I’ve spoken with, who were concerned about staying warm this winter, did not care about the technicalities of how the emergency energy relief payment will be distributed – they wanted the peace of mind that they wouldn’t be thrown out on the streets or left to freeze inside their own homes.

It is a no-brainer to me that we should do everything we can to help our neighbors stay warm and safe during the winter. That is why I am glad that this plan could pass and take effect immediately after the Legislature overwhelmingly approved it and Gov. Janet Mills signed it on Jan. 4.

Overall, I am grateful that LD 3 will give much-needed relief to many Maine families. It's clear that this legislation was necessary to provide crucial support to those in need, and I am proud to have played a part in its passage. Mainers cannot afford any more delays to this life-saving support, and I am glad that we got LD 3 to the chambers and it was signed into law as quickly as possible.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, wants to discuss legislation, or needs help connecting with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

My email is Timothy.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov, and my office phone number is 207-287-1515. Also, you can find me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle. To receive regular updates, sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org. <