The Maine Legislature has a great opportunity to move Maine forward by supporting LD 1656, “An Act To Promote Energy-efficient Affordable Housing.”

This bill will creatively address three important crises that affect Maine: the housing shortage crisis, estimated to be over 20,000 units; a unique labor crisis; and the climate change crisis. Adding 20,000 units would also greatly reduce the problem of people being unhoused in Maine, particularly acute in Lewiston, including a high percentage of veterans.

The housing will be developed with project labor agreements in place that will raise working standards for construction trades, expand our registered apprenticeship programs, assure projects will be completed on time, on budget and with fewer safety issues, and create more good construction jobs.

Energy efficiency will not only help address climate change, it will save landlords and thus tenants money on their energy bills.

By addressing these three crises together, LD 1656 will have significant economic impacts. It will boost local economies by leveraging public and private resources to generate income, including resident earnings and additional local tax revenue. As a former city councilor in Lewiston, I know how these are both critical to Lewiston.

Finally, I spent the last dozen years of my professional career as executive director of a federally qualified health center and witnessed how good housing can help people be more healthy, and help children become ready to learn in school.

I strongly encourage people to join me in urging our legislators and governor to support LD 1656.

James Lysen, Lewiston

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Related Stories
Latest Articles