In the past week, we’ve seen lower numbers of COVID-19 cases, suggesting that Maine is successfully flattening the curve. Of course, now that we’re in the second month of social distancing, many families and businesses are also entering their second month of financial insecurity due to closures and unemployment. As we navigate this unusual and difficult time, I wanted to share some updates and resources that may be helpful to you.
First of all, this pandemic has shown us that our unemployment benefit system was simply not ready for a crisis of this magnitude. I know many of you have been encountering system errors and some have been waiting on application approval. At a time when many people are worried they won’t be able to afford groceries, I know waiting is incredibly difficult.
On Wednesday, May 6, the Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee held a hearing with the Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman to discuss ways to improve the system and reduce delays. More work needs to be done, but I do want to assure you that the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is working in overdrive to address the unprecedented number of claims they’ve received over the past month. They have hired new employees to cover the phones and they are working to get money out to qualifying individuals as soon as possible.
For those of you who were waiting for expanded eligibility, as of May 1 MDOL is accepting applications for self-employed workers, independent contractors, fisherman and farmers, gig economy workers and others. Visit the MDOL website to learn more.
For many of you who have lost some or all of your income, paying rent brings about more concerns. To that end, Gov. Mills has signed an executive order to protect Maine people at risk of losing their housing as a result of COVID-19. The order prevents the immediate eviction of tenants other than those who engage in dangerous or unlawful conduct, and it strengthens the penalties for landlords who may try to evict tenants by unlawful means.
The Governor also partnered with MaineHousing to announce a new rental relief program for Maine people who cannot pay their rent due to COVID-19. The program will allow households that meet certain criteria to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to be paid directly to their landlord. Visit mainehousing.org/covidrent to see if you’re eligible.
Lastly, the state has implemented a phased approach based on the best science and data to get all of our economy back up and running, but Gov. Mills has stressed that as the public health situation changes and as we develop better solutions for the economy, the plan to reopen the state’s economy could change and the timeline could be shortened or extended. As part of that, the Department of Economic and Community Development, which is leading the plan to restart Maine’s economy, has opened an online portal for Mainers to submit their ideas for how to improve our reopening plan. The Governor has also convened an economic recovery committee that has 37 members representing business and community leaders, workers and lawmakers who will report back on the economic impacts of the pandemic and make policy recommendations. This feedback along with continued consultation with medical experts and business leaders will help shift the plan into a strategy that works for as many Mainers as possible.
I am so proud of our community members for finding creative ways to support each other through this crisis. While these times have placed an enormous strain on so many parts of our lives, our adherence to social distancing guidelines is saving lives and protecting workers in essential services, from health care workers to grocery store workers, who are on the frontlines of this pandemic. As Maine’s government continues to respond to this crisis, I am here to help via phone or email when you need it. If we keep working together, we will get through the rest of this public health crisis and all the ripple effects it brings.
Rep. Andrew McLean, D-Gorham, is serving his fourth term in the Maine House. He is House Chair of the Transportation Committee and represents parts of both Gorham and Scarborough.
(207) 939-8482 | (800) 423-2900 | andrew.mclean@legislature.maine.gov