Governor Mills Announces $3.5 Million in Lifeline Loans to Cover the Property Tax Bills of Older or Disabled Maine People

Press Release

Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration is launching the State Property Tax Deferral Program, a lifeline loan program through the Governor's Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan that can cover the annual property tax bills ofeligible Maine people who are ages 65 and older or are permanently disabled and who cannot afford to pay them on their own. The loan program will allow Maine's most vulnerable community members to age in place and ensure that property taxes are still delivered to municipalities. The program requires repayment of the loan once the property is sold or becomes part of an estate.

The State Property Tax Deferral Program is modeled on a similar expired program from the 1990s, this time funded by $3.5 million from Federal American Rescue Plan throughthe Governor's Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. It complements an additional Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan investment of $60 million to build more housing for Maine people. Together, these Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan initiatives can help address Maine'ssurging real estate market, which is making housing more difficult to afford and has threatened to displace renters, working class families, older Mainers, and those who are permanently disabled from stable housing opportunities.

"Older Mainers and those with disabilities deserve to live and age in the comfort of their homes without worrying they'll lose them because they can't afford the property taxes," said Governor Janet Mills. "This program through my Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan provides folks with the peace of mind that they can age safely and securely in their homes. My Administration will continue to work with the Legislature to address property taxes, increase the availability of housing, and ensure that all Maine people, regardless of age or income, are able to have a safe, stable place to call home in our state."

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