Just like every other aspect of life, the legislative session that wrapped up a few weeks ago looked quite different from usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of our committee meetings were held via Zoom, and for several months, the full Legislature convened at the Augusta Civic Center instead of the State House to allow for social distancing. Despite the challenges, my colleagues and I passed several landmark measures that will make a real difference for communities and families across the state.
The two most significant laws we passed this session are the two-year state budget and a measure dedicating nearly $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funding to bolster Maine's economic recovery and meet some of our states most pressing needs.
When I talk to my constituents, the burden of rising property taxes is a top concern. That is why property tax relief has been among my highest priorities in the Legislature - and why it was so important to me that our work this session address high property taxes.
The budget restores municipal revenue sharing, the program that directs state funds to Maine towns and cities. Over the past decade, cuts to this program have left our communities facing difficult decisions on whether to increase property taxes, decrease municipal services or both in order to make up for the shortage of state funding. We also expanded the Property Tax Fairness Credit and strengthened the Homestead Property Tax Exemption by increasing the amount of revenue lost that the state reimburses to towns.
I am incredibly proud to share that the budget also fulfills the state's commitment to fund 55% of K-12 public education costs, a milestone that has been years in the making. This funding is another way to ease the burden on local property taxpayers and constitutes a historic investment in our students. Recognizing that young people are the future of our state, we also set aside funds to keep free breakfast and lunch available to all students. Research shows that hunger negatively impacts the way kids learn and grow, and, before the federal government temporarily made all school meals free in response to the pandemic, many students went hungry because their families didn't meet the income eligibility levels for free and reduced meals.
The American Rescue Plan funding bill makes transformational investments in our states future, from funding for Pre-K and child care programs to career preparation and workforce training.
As a registered nurse and House chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I am glad to share that the rescue plan bill directs significant resources toward recruiting and training the workforce necessary to ensure Maine patients can access health professionals when they need care. The measure funds scholarships through the Doctors for Maine's Future program, supports our long-term and direct care workers and invests in attracting workers to needed positions in Maine's health care system.
The bill also funded my own proposal to invest $1 million in training Maine nurses by setting up a loan repayment program for nurse educators. With these federal funds, Maine will be able to expand nursing education programs by attracting and retaining faculty. By 2025, Maine is projected to experience a shortage of 2,700 nurses, so this important investment in our workforce and the health of our communities comes not a moment too soon.
Both the state budget and the rescue plan funding bills are wide-ranging, and the areas covered here are only a few highlights out of many noteworthy initiatives. From broadband investments to building more affordable housing, protecting our natural resources and much more, these measures will truly impact every community in our state.
Of course, we have more work to do over the coming months. Even though the Legislature is not currently in session, my committee will meet this fall, and I will be working to prepare for the session that convenes in January 2022. And, as always, I am here to discuss your questions, concerns and ideas regarding state government. Please feel welcome to reach me at Rep. Michele Meyer.
Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Eliot, part of Kittery and part of South Berwick. A registered nurse, she is House chair of the Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee.