February 23, 2016
Journal Tribune
By Tammy Wells, Senior Staff Writer
The Maine Affordable Housing Coalition is expressing frustration that a $15 million bond that would provide safe, affordable housing to 225 senior citizens has not released by Gov. Paul LePage four months after it was approved by Maine voters.
About 70 percent of those casting ballots in the November 2015 election were in favor of the bond, which would see construction of about 225 units statewide. Terms spell out that at least four of the properties would be located in Maine’s rural counties.
Maine Affordable Housing Coalition Director Greg Payne said the coalition is calling on the governor to release the bond.
“Maine’s voters overwhelmingly voiced their support for the use of state bonding resources to address what has become nothing less than a housing crisis for our seniors,” said Payne, pointing out that a 2015 study showed a need for 9,000 units. “While we wait for the state to move forward in implementing the bond, that crisis only grows.”
“Seniors are a priority for the governor, and we know that nearly 9,000 Mainers are in need of safe, affordable housing in their community that simply isn’t available,” said Amy Gallant of AARP Maine. “AARP Maine urges the governor to release the senior affordable housing bond.”
In a statement, Payne said efforts by the coalition to determine if LePage intends to release the bond have failed. He also says the Maine State Housing Authority, which is responsible for administering the bond proceeds, has refused to move forward with implementation without a signal from the governor that he will allow the voter-approved funds to flow.
LePage’s press secretary, Adrienne Bennett, said Monday that LePage will meet next week with the executive director and board chair of the state housing authority. But she declined to say whether that meeting is likely to result in a release of the bond.
“I do not have further comment at this time,” Bennett said in an email.
The housing bill was among several that LePage attempted to veto last year, but missed the deadline to do so, according to a ruling by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. He told Maine Public Broadcasting Network reporters he intended to veto the bill because the Maine State Housing Authority already has the authority to bond, and he believed the bill was a “feel-good” measure that would set a dangerous precedent as a general obligation bond.
The 225 units would be available to seniors ages 55 and older who earn about 60 percent of median income – between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, according to the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition. The target goal for rent is 30 percent of income.
According to information prepared by the Maine Secretary of State’s office prior to the November vote, preference would go to projects in locations near health care and other essential services. At least four projects must be located in the 11 Maine counties with fewer than 100,000 residents. Counties with greater than 100,000 population are Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot and York.
Most of the money, $14.5 million, would go to new construction and renovation, while $500,000 would go to home repair and weatherization programs that help senior citizens stay in their own homes. The bond is expected to leverage $22 million in private and other government funds.
Coalition members are not the only ones expressing frustration. Two York County legislators asked to weigh in on the apparent delay – Sen. Linda Valentino of Saco and Rep. Anne- Marie Mastraccio, both Democrats – say LePage should follow the will of voters.
“We have repeatedly seen the governor disregard the will of the voters in order to push his personal agenda,” said Valentino. “He did it with the transportation bonds, the LMF (Land for Maine’s Future) bonds, and now he is doing it again. LePage should release the bond.”
“This housing bond passed overwhelmingly,” said Mastraccio. “I think the chief executive has shown his complete disregard for the duly voted opinions of the people of Maine. I think he has forgotten who he works for, and when he acts in this manner, he becomes irrelevant to the process. His actions are indefensible.”
