$300 Checks Coming to Many Mainers After Narrow Budget Vote in Augusta

A new state budget has narrowly passed in Augusta, bringing $300 relief checks for hundreds of thousands of Mainers, free community college for recent graduates, and a new tax aimed at the state’s wealthiest households.

WGME is reporting the more than $500 million spending plan passed the Maine House late Wednesday night by a narrow margin. The Senate followed Thursday afternoon, approving the budget in an 18–16 vote.

One of the most talked-about parts of the plan is the $300 relief checks, which lawmakers say are meant to help Mainers deal with rising costs. The budget also includes funding to make community college free for Maine high school graduates, a move supporters say will help expand access to education and workforce training, the news station reported.

Republicans criticized the budget, calling it politically motivated and raising concerns about a new 2% tax on millionaires. Lawmakers estimate the tax will impact about 2,400 households in Maine.

“The Democrats just passed, on a total party line basis, the largest tax increase in my lifetime,” said Senator Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook). “They did so largely under the cloak of darkness, running these votes literally at midnight Wednesday night.”

Democrats defended the spending plan, saying it delivers financial help and invests in key areas across the state. Governor Janet Mills also voiced support for the budget, saying it will provide relief for Mainers facing higher costs, WGME said.

“This budget will deliver significant relief to Maine people facing rising prices because of the shortsighted actions of the Trump administration,” Mills said in a written statement.

Democratic lawmakers also pointed to additional funding in the budget, including property tax relief, affordable housing support, and assistance for energy and electricity costs.

“We have put in some property tax relief for people. There's money here for affordable housing, for energy costs, and assistance for people paying electrical bills,” said Senator Peggy Rotundo (D-Androscoggin).

The budget now heads to Governor Mills’ desk, where she is expected to sign it into law.