Governor Janet Mills Proposes $300 Affordability Relief Checks Amid Rising Costs

In her final State of the State address on January 27, 2026, Maine Governor Janet Mills announced a proposal to distribute $300 "Affordability Relief" checks to approximately 725,000 residents. The initiative targets individuals earning less than $75,000 annually, heads of households making up to $112,500, and married couples filing jointly with incomes below $150,000. The total cost of the program is estimated at $218.5 million, to be funded by the state's Rainy Day Fund, which currently holds over $1 billion.

Gov. Janet Mills proposes $300 ‘affordability checks’ in her final State of the State

Governor Mills emphasized that the checks aim to alleviate financial pressures stemming from rising costs of living, including groceries, housing, and healthcare. She stated, "We’re putting tax dollars back in your pockets, and you will have the freedom to decide what to do with it." Mills framed the proposal as part of a broader "Affordability Agenda," which also includes a $70 million initiative to build affordable housing and a commitment to make community college tuition-free permanently.

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The proposal has faced significant backlash from Republican lawmakers, who accuse Mills of using the relief checks as a political tool to bolster her upcoming Senate campaign against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham criticized the checks as a "campaign ploy," arguing that they do not address the underlying issues of high living costs in Maine. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart echoed this sentiment, stating, "We got here for one reason and one reason only: failed leadership."

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Democratic leaders expressed cautious support for the affordability checks, with House Speaker Ryan Fecteau acknowledging the need for relief but questioning the effectiveness of the proposed solution. He stated, "I’m not convinced the $300 check is the way to do it, but there is certainly an appetite to figure out how to provide relief for property tax, utility bills, and housing costs."

Gov. Janet Mills proposes $300 ‘affordability checks’ in her final State of the State

• “Tonight, I propose that we help Maine people breathe a little easier with what we can, where we can; by sending them an Affordability Relief check for $300 each,” — Governor Janet Mills

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• “if you seek to harm Maine people, you will have to go through me first.” — Governor Janet Mills

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• “Maine people are hurting,” — House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham

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• “We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced,” — Governor Janet Mills

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The proposal is expected to be debated in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, where lawmakers will discuss the implications of drawing from the Rainy Day Fund. The outcome of this debate may significantly influence Mills' political future as she prepares for the upcoming Senate election.

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Governor Janet Mills' proposal for $300 relief checks reflects an urgent response to the rising cost of living in Maine. However, the political ramifications and criticisms from opposition lawmakers highlight the contentious nature of affordability issues in the state as Mills navigates her final term and prepares for a Senate campaign.

Gov. Janet Mills proposes $300 ‘affordability checks’ in her final State of the State