Committee backs 75% statewide general assistance reimbursement after debate over exemptions
February 19, 2026 | 2026 Legislature ME, Maine
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The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services on Feb. 19 voted to report LD 978 as amended, replacing the bill with a straight increase of statewide general assistance (GA) reimbursement to 75% beginning July 1, 2026.
Committee staff described LD 978 as a phased plan originally intended to restore state reimbursement toward prior levels and noted the panel had previously reported both majority and minority amendments. Sam Seneff, the committee’s nonpartisan staff, said the majority amendment limited housing assistance to a maximum of 12 months in a 36‑month period and staged increases in reimbursement; the proposed strike‑and‑replace removed the tiered approach in favor of a single 75% rate.
Supporters framed the change as a modest, statewide step to relieve municipal budgets. Representative Sam Zager argued that "70% is not adequate" and urged the committee to "not let perfect be the enemy of the good" by adopting a simple 75% increase. Representative Annie Graham, citing her public‑health background, said the modest rise would recognize service centers that bear more GA costs.
Opponents pressed for protections for cities that account for the bulk of GA spending. Senator Mary Anne Moore and others pointed out that six municipalities — including Portland, Lewiston, South Portland, Westbrook and Sanford — represent about 88% of GA activity and recommended keeping those communities at 70% to avoid concentrating state funds. Representative Lucian Daigle told the committee he had heard strong constituent opposition to any increase without clearer accounting for how GA funds are spent.
The committee’s chair, Representative Michelle Meyer, framed the vote as balancing municipal requests for relief and the need for accountability. Representative Dan Shigori moved the strike‑and‑replace to set a 75% statewide rate; the committee recorded staff’s summary of a 6‑3‑2 vote on the motion. Several members recorded "ought not to pass" positions on the minority report.
The committee will forward the amended LD 978 to the next legislative steps where the full chambers will consider the committee report and the competing views on targeted exemptions and transparency requirements.
Committee staff described LD 978 as a phased plan originally intended to restore state reimbursement toward prior levels and noted the panel had previously reported both majority and minority amendments. Sam Seneff, the committee’s nonpartisan staff, said the majority amendment limited housing assistance to a maximum of 12 months in a 36‑month period and staged increases in reimbursement; the proposed strike‑and‑replace removed the tiered approach in favor of a single 75% rate.
Supporters framed the change as a modest, statewide step to relieve municipal budgets. Representative Sam Zager argued that "70% is not adequate" and urged the committee to "not let perfect be the enemy of the good" by adopting a simple 75% increase. Representative Annie Graham, citing her public‑health background, said the modest rise would recognize service centers that bear more GA costs.
Opponents pressed for protections for cities that account for the bulk of GA spending. Senator Mary Anne Moore and others pointed out that six municipalities — including Portland, Lewiston, South Portland, Westbrook and Sanford — represent about 88% of GA activity and recommended keeping those communities at 70% to avoid concentrating state funds. Representative Lucian Daigle told the committee he had heard strong constituent opposition to any increase without clearer accounting for how GA funds are spent.
The committee’s chair, Representative Michelle Meyer, framed the vote as balancing municipal requests for relief and the need for accountability. Representative Dan Shigori moved the strike‑and‑replace to set a 75% statewide rate; the committee recorded staff’s summary of a 6‑3‑2 vote on the motion. Several members recorded "ought not to pass" positions on the minority report.
The committee will forward the amended LD 978 to the next legislative steps where the full chambers will consider the committee report and the competing views on targeted exemptions and transparency requirements.
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