123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 502 LR 2186(01)
An Act To Ensure That Maine Residents Have Reliable Winter Heating Assistance
Fiscal Note for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Fletcher of Winslow
Committee: Appropriations and Financial Affairs
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
2007-08 2008-09 Projections 2009-10 Projections 2010-11
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $0 $0 $0 $0
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $17,000,000 $17,000,000 $17,000,000 $17,000,000
Revenue
General Fund $17,000,000 $17,000,000 $17,000,000 $17,000,000
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill includes ongoing General Fund appropriations of $17,000,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2007-08 to the Maine State Housing Authority for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to provide necessary heating assistance funding for Maine residents in a timely manner.  Funding received by the Maine State Housing Authority from the Federal Government for LIHEAP must be used to offset the General Fund appropriation.
This fiscal note assumes that it is the intent of this legislation to formally obligate the Maine State Housing Authority to transfer federal funds it receives from the Federal Government for the LIHEAP program to the State to offset the General Fund appropriation provided in each fiscal year. If that is the intent, the bill should be amended to include language that specifically provides that direction.