INDIVIDUALS NEEDED TO TESTIFY!!
LD 748 “An Act to Increase Bridging Rental Assistance Program Housing Voucher Funding to Reduce the Current Partial Waiting List and Increase Housing Vouchers for Persons Living with Mental Health Challenges”
HEARING INFORMATION
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 1:15PM
Housing and Economic Development Committee
(Cross Building, Room 206)
NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US!
LD 748 “An Act to Increase Bridging Rental Assistance Program Housing Voucher Funding to Reduce the Current Partial Waiting List and Increase Housing Vouchers for Persons Living with Mental Health Challenges”
LD 748 “An Act to Increase Bridging Rental Assistance Program Housing Voucher Funding to Reduce the Current Partial Waiting List and Increase Housing Vouchers for Persons Living with Mental Health Challenges” sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, is scheduled for public hearing Tuesday March 25 at 1:15pm. The hearing will be in the Housing and Economic Development Committee which is in Room 206 of the Burton Cross Building adjacent to the State House. While it is listed first in the lineup of public hearings, please know the arrangement can change at any moment.
📢 Call to Action: Support LD 748 – Expand Housing Access for People Living with Mental Health Challenges!
This critical bill increases funding for the Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP)—a vital housing support for individuals living with serious mental health challenges. LD 748 would reduce the current partial waiting list and expand access to housing vouchers, helping more Mainers secure the safe, stable housing they need to thrive in their communities.
🗣️ We need your voice! We urge advocates, providers, people with lived experience, and community members to testify in support of this bill.
Please consider showing up to the State House to testify in person! There is power in physical numbers!
LD 748 Talking Points
LD 748 aims to enhance housing support for individuals facing mental health challenges by increasing funding for the Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP).
- Addressing the Partial Waiting List: The bill proposes an annual allocation of $660,000 to BRAP to reduce the current partial wait list, ensuring timely access to housing assistance for those most in need.
- Increasing Housing Vouchers: By boosting funding, the program can offer additional housing vouchers, directly benefiting individuals living with mental health challenges and promoting stable living conditions.
- Responding to Policy Changes: A 2021 policy adjustment increased the portion of rent covered by BRAP, leading to decreased numbers of vouchers. This bill addresses those increased expenses and decrease in the number of individuals served, ensuring the program’s sustainability.
- Supporting Mental Health: Stable housing is crucial for mental health recovery and well-being. Enhancing BRAP funding underscores Maine’s commitment to supporting housing for residents with mental health challenges.
- Economic Benefits: Providing stable housing can reduce emergency healthcare costs and reliance on other state services, leading to long-term economic benefits for the community.
Below is some additional information to help you write testimony.
To Register to Testify Electronically (Zoom) and/or Submit Testimony,
Click Button Below…
If you need assistance writing testimony or have questions,
please contact the CCSM Office:
(207) 430-8300 or Toll Free:1-877-207-5073
