A PAYMENT worth $850 could be sent to Maine residents under a new proposal from the state’s governor.
If approved, the “stimulus checks” could come out as early as June.
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Governor Janet Mills’ proposal is to return some of the state’s budget surplus to taxpayers in the form of direct payments of $850, according to WGME.
There is now a push for payments to be made even faster by sending the money electronically rather than paper checks if approved.
The proposal has bipartisan support, although some members of the legislature want to speed things up further by using direct deposit.
Maine has never used direct deposit in the past, and the state’s Department of Administrative and Financial Services says doing so could create logistical issues that could delay payments.
“Maine Revenue Services estimates it has accurate banking information on file for less than half of the estimated 800,000 taxpayers who will be eligible for this relief.”
“This is the main reason why DAFS considers paper checks to be the most reliable distribution method at this point,” they said in a statement.
The state says it is still evaluating electronic payments as an option.
The proposal must pass the legislature with 2/3 support.
Maine has a budget surplus of $822 million.
Governor Mills initially proposed one-time payments of $500 for approximately 800,000 taxpayers.
In addition to one-time payments, Mills offered to fund the state’s employment sector, provide affordable high-speed broadband, and free community college to those who qualify.
“While I cannot control the impact of COVID-19 on global markets, I can ensure that we provide the people of Maine with the resources they need to meet these rising costs as we build a stronger sustainable economy,” Mills told state lawmakers. address.
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