Bill would release $15 million in voter-approved Maine bonds

AUGUSTA (AP) — A Republican’s bill aims to release $15 million in bonds for senior housing that voters approved two years ago.

Lawmakers have accused Republican Gov. Paul LePage of refusing to release the bonds while Maine seniors struggle to find affordable housing.

Republican Sen. Roger Katz’s bill is set for an initial vote in the Democratic-controlled House on Tuesday.

Affordable housing advocates and developers call it a last-ditch effort to release the bonds while the termed-out governor is in office.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted last month 26-8 on the bill.

The governor claims the bill usurps his executive authority and that the bonds would harm the state’s credit rating.

State Treasurer Terry Hayes says the bonds wouldn’t damage Maine’s rating.

The state Constitution says voter-approved bonds expire after five years.

State Sen. Roger Katz

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