By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — State Representative Jessica Fay has a keen perspective of the state budget. 

After all, she secured a seat on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee in Augusta.  

Rep. Fay (D-Raymond, Otisfield and Casco) appeared before the Casco Board of Selectmen just last week, bearing news about the state budget-making process. 

The Zoom format may continue for the convenience of Mainers, she said. The property tax fairness credit will hang around, too. Then, there is a program to help seniors on fixed incomes to pay property tax without shorting the town’s revenue.

First she discussed the method that lawmakers use to hold meetings.   

“Up in Augusta, a good portion of our meetings are still happening on Zoom. While challenging, it allows folks from all over the state to participate,” Fay said. “We are looking at hybrid options. Folks can come in person but people in Aroostook County don’t have to drive five hours and can do Zoom meeting instead.” 

“I’m on the budget committee,” she said. “I have been on Zoom more hours than I’ve slept in last couple days.”

When Fay spoke to the selectmen last week she stressed that some of Gov. Janet Mills’ budget proposals might very well evolve.

“One of the proposals that is relevant for property taxpayers is the property tax fairness credit. It was temporarily increased because of COVID, but it will be permanent going forward,” she said. 

There are two programs that apply to some senior citizens in the state, and could benefit them financially. 

One has been in existence for a long time. It’s the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is also known as food stamps.  

“If you are over 65 and are having a difficult time paying for groceries, you might be eligible for SNAP,” Fay said. 

As the co-chair on the Legislative Caucus on Aging, Fay has researched how taxes impact older folks and sought ways to reduce that impact. 

“There is a state property tax deferral program for older Mainers. If you are over the age of 65 and having a hard time affording property taxes, there is new program that holds the town harmless. The state will pay the property taxes for a person over 65 who meets certain income qualifications,” she said.

“During the period when taxes are being deferred, the state places a lien on the property and reimburses the municipality for the property taxes,” she said. 

“When the property is sold, the state is paid back first,” she said. 

The deferred tax plus interest from the lien can be repaid to the State of Maine by the individual if the property is sold or by the estate if the person passes away, according to the paperwork.

“One of the goals is to allow people to age in their community as long as they possibly can. This allows folks to stay in their homes as they age,” she said. 

People who think they might be eligible have until April 1 to complete the application process with the Town of Casco assessor. That is for the state property tax deferral program. 

On the other end of the spectrum are people who are not yet retirement age and students who could not attend college because of the pandemic. 

“We have a significant workforce shortage,” Fay said.

One aspect a workforce development legislation is to provide two years at a community college for young people whose schooling was impacted by COVID from 2020 through 2023. 

“We’ve increased funding for career and technical education. There is a lot of development in apprentice programs. Folks are looking for engineers. There are all kinds of apprentice programs being developed. There is a lot of collaboration between businesses and different colleges,” Fay said. “Everyone is really focused on the workforce shortage.”