PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 16, 2022
Lawmakers plan to hold a public hearing next week on a heating and energy relief package would give $450 checks to most Mainers, a proposal that was blocked last week by Senate Republicans. The hearing is aimed at breaking a stalemate over helping Mainers remain safely housed and warm during the winter. As an emergency bill, it requires two-thirds support of each legislative chamber to pass and take effect immediately. Democrats control both chambers, including 22 seats in the Senate, where they need 24 votes, and 82 seats in the House, where they need 101 votes.