January 12, 2026
Minutes
Minutes
Attendees via Zoom: Pamela Seetoo, Matthew Nguyen, Bridget McCabe, Carol, Darla Chafin, Debbie Dionne, David Cowing, Dawn Cedrone, Jamie Rogers, Jamie Whitehouse, Jennifer Frey, Jennifer Putnam, Julianne Zaharis, Kim Humphrey, K Rick, Libby Stone-Sterling, Lisa Wesel, Liz Burgess, Margaret Cardoza, Mindy Ward, Paula Bush, Rachel Dyer, Rob Moran, Robin Levesque, Sara Fleurant, Shelley Zielinski, Shelly King, Staci Converse, Stacy Lamontagne, Todd Goodwin, Cullen Ryan, Vickey Merrill, and possibly a few people who joined after the meeting began and left prior to the conclusion of the meeting.
Cullen Ryan introduced himself and welcomed the group. Cullen provided an overview of the Coalition. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted.
Cullen: I have stepped down as Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine (CHOM) after 22 years, with my departure from CHOM coming at the end of February. Kyra Walker has come on board as Interim Executive Director; she previously worked for the organization for 16 years. I want to thank CHOM for supporting the Coalition over the years, as it has been an important platform for dialogue between different parts of the system and for speaking with decision makers. CHOM is committed to ensuring continuity for the Coalition, though there may be some changes as they thoughtfully determine the next steps.
Vickey: First, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Cullen. Cullen, your leadership is what brought this coalition to fruition almost 20 years ago. That is a monumental feat, and I've only been part of it for just shy of 13 years, but what I've been able to witness, as well as what came before me, is nothing short of remarkable. So, thank you to you, Cullen, and thank you to everyone here who is part of what has made the Coalition what it is. I speak for all of us when I say we're grateful for this.
As Cullen moves forward with the next step in his career, we are looking at the ways in which we can continue to build on the good work of this coalition, including looking to other agencies for their leadership and expertise. CHOM may not have the long-term capacity to continue running the Coalition, especially in its current form. But we're taking this time to be thoughtful and intentional about what the next chapter will look like. We're still shaping some of those details, but the intention is to move forward in a way that honors the Coalition's mission and strengthens its long-term sustainability—whatever that ends up looking like. We're still determining the timing of the next meeting. We won't be meeting in February, but we'll share more information well in advance of March's meeting on what that next step looks like.
Featured Speakers: Pamela Seetoo, Associate Director, and Matthew Nguyen, Education Specialist, the Keystone Institute-Keystone Human Services. Topic: Fire Through Dry Grass film screening with discussion to follow.
Cullen: At the recommendation of Rachel Dyer of the Maine Developmental Disability Council, this meeting will feature a film about challenges faced at an institution during the Covid pandemic, highlighting shortcomings in institutional settings that can continue to create vulnerabilities. We are joined by Pamela Seetoo, Associate Director, and Matthew Nguyen, Education Specialist, with the Keystone Institute-Keystone Human Services, who will be facilitating the film and subsequent discussion.
The film should be thought provoking and powerful and as such, we have reserved time in the last half hour for processing, with a truncation of our regular updates, having those updates be reserved for the minutes for the most part instead.
The film will last for 90 minutes. Our guests will provide some background on the film, some reflective questions for your contemplation, and then begin the screening. We will take a 5-minute break and then have more than 30 minutes reserved for discussion. This will mean the meeting has been extended to 2:30. People can leave at 2 but additional time has been allocated in case people need it.
Pamela Seetoo: Thank you for having us! Matthew and I work for the Keystone Institute within Keystone Human Services in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Institute teaches principles of social role valorization (SRV) for supporting vulnerable people.
About the Documentary:
I'd like you to consider several themes while watching:
The film is eye-opening, provocative and powerful, showing that institutional mistreatment isn't just historical but continues today.
A this point in the meeting the film was shown.
After the film, the group took a five-minute break.
Reflections After the Film:
Cullen: In contrast to the Coler residents' experiences with communicating with decision-makers, the Coalition regularly includes Department staff around the table. Having all the stakeholders in the same room talking to each other makes a huge difference. Open communication and trust are antidotes to isolation and disempowerment.
Rachel Dyer: We appreciate your generosity in buying the film and screening it for us!
Pam: Thank you for inviting us to come and participate in this!
Cullen: I want to thank Pam and Matthew for all of their efforts in showing the film here today. We are all very grateful. I want to thank everyone for being available for this difficult material. Watching such powerful content can be unsettling and no one should have to process it alone. I want to encourage all of you to connect with others and to reach out to me directly if I can be a resource if anything in the film left you unsettled.
I hope you have a wonderful rest of January and February. I am hopeful about good things in the Coalition’s future and look forward to whatever the group ends up doing together in the future. Thank you all!
End of presentation and meeting.
The following are updates were provided for the minutes:
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Derek Fales, Associate Director:
OADS data (quarterly updates): The Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) collects and shares data about developmental services and long-term services and supports. OADS publishes quarterly Developmental Disability Services data for MaineCare Sections 21 and 29, using information from state data systems (including Evergreen) and MaineCare claims.
These quarterly reports include updates on topics such as:
New in 2026: Quality Improvement Coalition (QIC)
OADS is creating a new group in 2026 called the Quality Improvement Coalition (QIC). The QIC will help improve the quality of services and support paid for by the State. It will look at both developmental services and long-term supports and services.
A QIC can do many different things, such as:
QIC listening sessions (virtual): OADS is holding two virtual listening sessions in January to hear feedback as this new group is planned. OADS will share some information and then ask for your ideas about what would help Maine’s QIC work well.
Lifespan waiver webinars (virtual): OADS is also offering two Lifespan waiver information presentations to share updates and help the community prepare for public comment on the Department-approved waiver draft.
Please join these webinars (click the link to register):
If you need an accommodation or support to take part, contact [email protected].
Sara Fleurant:
Housing Update: OADS is currently accepting applications for Housing Support Funds. Each year funds are available to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism in covering their housing costs. Individuals can apply for a one-time lump-sum payment to help with rent, security deposits, or utility costs. Housing Support Funds can support individuals residing in an apartment they rent, home they own, or group home setting. Eligible applicants for this program are individuals receiving service through the Section 21 Comprehensive Waiver and the Section 29 Support Waiver. For more information on Housing Support Funds please visit our Housing Services webpage. To apply, please complete the linked Housing Support Funds Application and submit it to [email protected].
DHHS – Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/support-services/childrens-behavioral-health - No Update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr
Libby Stone-Sterling:
The Pathways to Partnerships Grant has expanded to additional new schools for 2026: Jackman, Katahdin area school districts and Sanford with even more schools being added by Spring 2026!
Vocational Rehabilitation is already scheduling summer plans for young people – career exploration, college tours, STEP UP (college prep for students with Autism) and more. Reach out to your local Vocational Rehabilitation office for more information or call (207)623-6799.
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No Update
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) - No Update
Federal & Housing Updates:
Federal Budget Update of Note: The current continuing resolution funds federal programs and services through 1/30/26. Congress is currently working on an FY 26 “minibus” spending package, which includes T-HUD. Congress must pass an FY 26 minibus spending bill or another CR by 1/30 or face another government shutdown.
We are closely following everything going on at the federal level which would affect housing, services, and other resources for people with ID/DD. When things arise, we will be sure to make you aware through regular updates and action alerts.
Previous budget updates: The Senate passed a budget agreement on 11/10. The House approved it on 11/12, and the President signed it shortly thereafter. This includes a continuing resolution funding most programs through 1/30/26 and includes 3 fiscal year FY 26 spending bills for Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch programs. It fully funds SNAP (and WIC) for all of FY 26, reverses the reductions in force (RIFs) implemented by the Administration since 10/1, and guarantees legally mandated back pay for all federal workers, including those who have been furloughed and those who have been required to work. The Continuing Resolution (CR) does not include extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
Previous updates that we’re still following:
Medicaid cuts remain a large threat, specifically as enacted in the Budget Reconciliation Bill (HR 1, One Big Beautiful Act) (see below for more information). The entire Maine Delegation attempted to thwart efforts to include cuts to Medicaid in this reconciliation bill by voting against it. The cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will take effect in the fall of 2026, right around the Mid-Term Elections.
Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act): On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 into law. The legislation reduces more than $1 trillion in funding for key safety-net programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Despite these deep cuts, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill will increase the federal deficit by more than $3.9 trillion over the next decade.
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Executive Orders: No new updates. Previous update:
President Trump initiated a series of Executive Orders (EOs) which, if implemented/upheld by the courts, could make it more difficult for everyone to access to an affordable, accessible home. Per NLIHC, the new Administration’s first actions include:
Federal Bills: No new updates. Previous updates:
State Legislature Update
The Second Session, or the “short session”, started on 1/7/26, and the statutory adjournment date (the 3rd Wednesday of April) is scheduled for 4/15/26. Cloture occurred September 26, 2025. Only bills deemed to be “emergency bills” and bills put forth by the Governor can be considered, along with bills that were carried over from the previous session. The Legislative Council met to determine what bills will move forward and be considered in the Second Session. The bills considered and their outcomes is available online. Legislative Council has met numerous times and reviewed appeal requests, but the results have not been posted as of today. There’s a Department bill that has to do with the rate system I believe. None of the bills have language yet, but bill language will likely come out before the session starts.
The MCHQS 132nd Maine Legislature Resource Document, is a Google Document that MASCP created and includes budget, bill, and committee information.
As this group knows, there are a whole host of bills that either didn’t move through the House and Senate for votes for enactment or didn’t get funded off the Table. The vast majority of these bills were carried over into the next Legislative Session. And there are some bills that were enacted and sent to the Governor, but since the Legislature adjourned Sine Die, they were held by the Governor and will become law when the Legislature next convenes for at least three days. This happen when the Session began. The state has a surplus of $250 million. We’ll be looking at what the Governor is looking to do with this funding in the Supplemental Budget, which the Governor is expected to release soon.
Next Meeting Date: March 9th, 2026 (please note there will be no meeting in February)
Featured Speaker: Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association of Community Service Providers (MACSP).
Topic: An overview of legislation in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation. If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected].
Cullen Ryan introduced himself and welcomed the group. Cullen provided an overview of the Coalition. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted.
Cullen: I have stepped down as Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine (CHOM) after 22 years, with my departure from CHOM coming at the end of February. Kyra Walker has come on board as Interim Executive Director; she previously worked for the organization for 16 years. I want to thank CHOM for supporting the Coalition over the years, as it has been an important platform for dialogue between different parts of the system and for speaking with decision makers. CHOM is committed to ensuring continuity for the Coalition, though there may be some changes as they thoughtfully determine the next steps.
Vickey: First, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Cullen. Cullen, your leadership is what brought this coalition to fruition almost 20 years ago. That is a monumental feat, and I've only been part of it for just shy of 13 years, but what I've been able to witness, as well as what came before me, is nothing short of remarkable. So, thank you to you, Cullen, and thank you to everyone here who is part of what has made the Coalition what it is. I speak for all of us when I say we're grateful for this.
As Cullen moves forward with the next step in his career, we are looking at the ways in which we can continue to build on the good work of this coalition, including looking to other agencies for their leadership and expertise. CHOM may not have the long-term capacity to continue running the Coalition, especially in its current form. But we're taking this time to be thoughtful and intentional about what the next chapter will look like. We're still shaping some of those details, but the intention is to move forward in a way that honors the Coalition's mission and strengthens its long-term sustainability—whatever that ends up looking like. We're still determining the timing of the next meeting. We won't be meeting in February, but we'll share more information well in advance of March's meeting on what that next step looks like.
Featured Speakers: Pamela Seetoo, Associate Director, and Matthew Nguyen, Education Specialist, the Keystone Institute-Keystone Human Services. Topic: Fire Through Dry Grass film screening with discussion to follow.
Cullen: At the recommendation of Rachel Dyer of the Maine Developmental Disability Council, this meeting will feature a film about challenges faced at an institution during the Covid pandemic, highlighting shortcomings in institutional settings that can continue to create vulnerabilities. We are joined by Pamela Seetoo, Associate Director, and Matthew Nguyen, Education Specialist, with the Keystone Institute-Keystone Human Services, who will be facilitating the film and subsequent discussion.
The film should be thought provoking and powerful and as such, we have reserved time in the last half hour for processing, with a truncation of our regular updates, having those updates be reserved for the minutes for the most part instead.
The film will last for 90 minutes. Our guests will provide some background on the film, some reflective questions for your contemplation, and then begin the screening. We will take a 5-minute break and then have more than 30 minutes reserved for discussion. This will mean the meeting has been extended to 2:30. People can leave at 2 but additional time has been allocated in case people need it.
Pamela Seetoo: Thank you for having us! Matthew and I work for the Keystone Institute within Keystone Human Services in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Institute teaches principles of social role valorization (SRV) for supporting vulnerable people.
About the Documentary:
- The film documents people living in Coler Institution on Roosevelt Island, New York City.
- Roosevelt Island once had 11 institutions housing thousands of vulnerable people; Coler is the only one remaining.
- The institution currently houses many people with disabilities acquired through gang violence and street violence.
- The documentary was filmed by residents themselves (the "Reality Poets") using their cell phones during the COVID pandemic.
I'd like you to consider several themes while watching:
- How people are stereotyped and imaged
- Heightened vulnerability during crises
- Loss of control and autonomy
- Segregation and congregation
- Unconscious devaluation by well-meaning people
- Death-making (hastened deaths)
- Distantiation (keeping people apart)
- Lessons about change-making from the Reality Poets
The film is eye-opening, provocative and powerful, showing that institutional mistreatment isn't just historical but continues today.
A this point in the meeting the film was shown.
After the film, the group took a five-minute break.
Reflections After the Film:
- A member was struck by the outright lies and misinformation given to residents—telling them one thing and doing another while disregarding their fears and concerns. She also praised the persistent strength and moral courage of the Reality Poets who supported each other despite isolation and challenges.
- A participant shared that her brother-in-law with Down syndrome died during the pandemic in a New York State hospital (not from COVID), and people weren't allowed to see him. She found the film powerful and was glad to see it.
- People expressed gratitude for the opportunity to view the film, with one person calling it a "fully crying inside experience" and noting how fortunate the timing was that residents were filming from the beginning.
- A parent stated that he was struck by the overwhelming sense of powerlessness. That’s parents’ biggest fear – not having a say and the people they care about will end up in a position where they’re powerless. This was an amazing documentary, and the voices were very powerful.
- A self-advocate mentioned that she was previously involved with the Independent State Living Council and remembered advocacy efforts to close down nursing homes. She reflected on how the film confirmed concerns about quality of life in institutional settings, noting the symbolic significance of the island location and recalling a facility in Windham located next to a cemetery. She expressed pride that Maine closed its institution but raised concerns about facilities with more than 3-4 people creating an "institutional brainwashing mentality." She appreciated the residents' petition efforts but noted they only received attention once the media got involved. She compared public versus private facilities, observing that privately-run, well-paid facilities provide better quality of life, though this creates political and funding challenges.
- A member connected this to housing for older adults, emphasizing that nursing homes are "our business as neighbors, family members, and friends," and that powerlessness is alive and well in these settings.
- A family member mentioned that residents had real nursing needs and mobility requirements, including motorized wheelchairs and accessibility accommodations. She emphasized the severe lack of accessible housing that leaves "no place for them to go." She also called for studies comparing the resources needed for individual home care versus institutional care.
- A group member shared her experience helping move people from nursing homes to 4-bed group homes in Maine and Massachusetts. She explained that smaller settings can provide adequate care with CNAs working under RN oversight. She noted that Maine's small group homes had better pandemic outcomes, particularly because residents had outdoor access.
- A self-advocate shared a powerful memory of a nurse who advocated to remove someone from a nursing home, only to later develop terminal multiple sclerosis and end up in that same facility herself. She expressed frustration seeing these facilities expand while their CEOs live well.
- A participant pointed out that many other residents in the nursing home lacked access to technology and likely had cognitive impairments that prevented them from participating in advocacy like the Reality Poets did. She was struck by how the system responded to one of the filmmakers by offering to help him get into independent living, creating a difficult situation for someone speaking on behalf of a group – essentially offering an individual solution that could silence collective advocacy. She noted that while the people making such offers may not consciously think they're paying someone off to be quiet, there is certainly an element of that dynamic at play. She also reflected on how multiple systems failed these residents, wondering about their educational experiences and whether any of them had ever received encouragement in school, given how visually and verbally articulate and insightful they were in the film.
Cullen: In contrast to the Coler residents' experiences with communicating with decision-makers, the Coalition regularly includes Department staff around the table. Having all the stakeholders in the same room talking to each other makes a huge difference. Open communication and trust are antidotes to isolation and disempowerment.
Rachel Dyer: We appreciate your generosity in buying the film and screening it for us!
Pam: Thank you for inviting us to come and participate in this!
Cullen: I want to thank Pam and Matthew for all of their efforts in showing the film here today. We are all very grateful. I want to thank everyone for being available for this difficult material. Watching such powerful content can be unsettling and no one should have to process it alone. I want to encourage all of you to connect with others and to reach out to me directly if I can be a resource if anything in the film left you unsettled.
I hope you have a wonderful rest of January and February. I am hopeful about good things in the Coalition’s future and look forward to whatever the group ends up doing together in the future. Thank you all!
End of presentation and meeting.
The following are updates were provided for the minutes:
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Derek Fales, Associate Director:
OADS data (quarterly updates): The Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) collects and shares data about developmental services and long-term services and supports. OADS publishes quarterly Developmental Disability Services data for MaineCare Sections 21 and 29, using information from state data systems (including Evergreen) and MaineCare claims.
These quarterly reports include updates on topics such as:
- Targeted Case Management (including how case management supports people and what services it can include)
- Intake and Eligibility activity
- Waiver waitlist information (also available as part of OADS’s HCBS access and waitlist reporting, updated quarterly)
New in 2026: Quality Improvement Coalition (QIC)
OADS is creating a new group in 2026 called the Quality Improvement Coalition (QIC). The QIC will help improve the quality of services and support paid for by the State. It will look at both developmental services and long-term supports and services.
A QIC can do many different things, such as:
- reviewing information from people’s surveys about their experiences,
- reviewing state policies and possible changes, and
- sharing ideas and information to improve services.
QIC listening sessions (virtual): OADS is holding two virtual listening sessions in January to hear feedback as this new group is planned. OADS will share some information and then ask for your ideas about what would help Maine’s QIC work well.
- Members & Families: Thursday, January 22nd, 4:30-5:30 PM Please join this session if you or your family member receives waiver services. You can sign up here.
- Providers & Community Members: Thursday, January 22nd, 11 AM-12 PM Please attend this session if you are interested in QIC, and neither you nor your family member receive waiver services. You can sign up here.
Lifespan waiver webinars (virtual): OADS is also offering two Lifespan waiver information presentations to share updates and help the community prepare for public comment on the Department-approved waiver draft.
Please join these webinars (click the link to register):
- Lifespan Overview and Updates (Wed 1/21/2026, 3:00–4:30 PM) This session gives an overview of the proposed waiver and what has changed since the last presentation series.
- Role of the SIS-A in Lifespan Waiver Design (Fri 1/23/2026, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM) This session explains how the SIS-A is used to understand a person’s support needs.
If you need an accommodation or support to take part, contact [email protected].
Sara Fleurant:
Housing Update: OADS is currently accepting applications for Housing Support Funds. Each year funds are available to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism in covering their housing costs. Individuals can apply for a one-time lump-sum payment to help with rent, security deposits, or utility costs. Housing Support Funds can support individuals residing in an apartment they rent, home they own, or group home setting. Eligible applicants for this program are individuals receiving service through the Section 21 Comprehensive Waiver and the Section 29 Support Waiver. For more information on Housing Support Funds please visit our Housing Services webpage. To apply, please complete the linked Housing Support Funds Application and submit it to [email protected].
DHHS – Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/support-services/childrens-behavioral-health - No Update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr
Libby Stone-Sterling:
The Pathways to Partnerships Grant has expanded to additional new schools for 2026: Jackman, Katahdin area school districts and Sanford with even more schools being added by Spring 2026!
Vocational Rehabilitation is already scheduling summer plans for young people – career exploration, college tours, STEP UP (college prep for students with Autism) and more. Reach out to your local Vocational Rehabilitation office for more information or call (207)623-6799.
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No Update
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) - No Update
Federal & Housing Updates:
Federal Budget Update of Note: The current continuing resolution funds federal programs and services through 1/30/26. Congress is currently working on an FY 26 “minibus” spending package, which includes T-HUD. Congress must pass an FY 26 minibus spending bill or another CR by 1/30 or face another government shutdown.
We are closely following everything going on at the federal level which would affect housing, services, and other resources for people with ID/DD. When things arise, we will be sure to make you aware through regular updates and action alerts.
Previous budget updates: The Senate passed a budget agreement on 11/10. The House approved it on 11/12, and the President signed it shortly thereafter. This includes a continuing resolution funding most programs through 1/30/26 and includes 3 fiscal year FY 26 spending bills for Agriculture, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch programs. It fully funds SNAP (and WIC) for all of FY 26, reverses the reductions in force (RIFs) implemented by the Administration since 10/1, and guarantees legally mandated back pay for all federal workers, including those who have been furloughed and those who have been required to work. The Continuing Resolution (CR) does not include extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
Previous updates that we’re still following:
Medicaid cuts remain a large threat, specifically as enacted in the Budget Reconciliation Bill (HR 1, One Big Beautiful Act) (see below for more information). The entire Maine Delegation attempted to thwart efforts to include cuts to Medicaid in this reconciliation bill by voting against it. The cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will take effect in the fall of 2026, right around the Mid-Term Elections.
Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act): On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 into law. The legislation reduces more than $1 trillion in funding for key safety-net programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Despite these deep cuts, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill will increase the federal deficit by more than $3.9 trillion over the next decade.
Medicaid
- Reduces Medicaid funding by more than $1 trillion—the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history.
- Work requirements: Expands Medicaid work requirements to include parents enrolled through Medicaid expansion whose children are over age 13, resulting in coverage losses for those unable to meet the requirement.
- Severely restricts how states finance Medicaid, including through per-capita caps or block grants.
- Reduces eligibility across major health coverage programs for many lawfully present immigrants.
- An estimated $430–$522 million in Medicaid costs could be shifted annually to the state.
- Approximately 4,300 Maine jobs could be lost.
- Hospitals could lose up to $700 million in revenue each year.
- Tens of thousands of Mainers could lose health coverage entirely.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Cuts SNAP by $186 billion through 2034 (approximately a 20% reduction), representing the largest SNAP cut in the program’s history.
- Requires most states to cover 5–15% of food benefit costs. States unable to absorb these costs may be forced to reduce eligibility, make enrollment more difficult, or withdraw from the program altogether.
- Work requirements: Expands existing SNAP work requirements to adults aged 55–64 and to parents whose youngest child is at least 14 years old, while sharply limiting waivers for areas with high unemployment or poor economic conditions.
- Eliminates current work-requirement exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth.
- Reduces food assistance by an average of $100 per month for approximately 600,000 low-income households by removing a utility expense calculation provision.
- Up to 30,000 Mainers previously exempt from SNAP work requirements may now be subject to them.
- Approximately 2,000 New Mainers are expected to lose SNAP eligibility entirely.
- As many as 31,000 residents are at risk of losing some or all of their SNAP benefits.
Executive Orders: No new updates. Previous update:
President Trump initiated a series of Executive Orders (EOs) which, if implemented/upheld by the courts, could make it more difficult for everyone to access to an affordable, accessible home. Per NLIHC, the new Administration’s first actions include:
- Directing federal agencies to terminate all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) practices and policies and rescind previous executive actions expanding DEI efforts to underserved communities.
- Institute a hiring freeze which would prevent HUD from hiring essential staff.
- Denying fair housing and civil rights protections to LGBTQ individuals.
- Directing federal agencies to prevent sanctuary jurisdictions, or jurisdictions that limit or deny cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, from receiving federal investments. If this EO is used to deny states and localities access to federal funding, it could undermine local governments’ ability to help families purchase a home and build more affordable rental housing.
Federal Bills: No new updates. Previous updates:
- The Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act: Introduced by Senators King and Welch, this bill would establish a refundable tax credit for eligible home modifications designed to improve accessibility — saving both Americans with the highest risk of falling, as well as taxpayers, from the high medical costs associated with falls.
- S 1234 / HR 2540 SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act: This is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to update the resource limit for supplemental security income eligibility. This bill would update SSI’s asset limits for the first time since the 1980s to ensure people with disabilities and seniors are able to prepare themselves for a financial emergency without putting the benefits that they rely on to live at risk.
- S 343/HR 869 Keep our PACT Act: This bill would require full funding of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- HR 1634 Think DIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act: This bill would provide for a memorandum of understanding between the Small Business Administration and the National Council on Disability to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes.
- HR 1757 EMPSA Act: This bill would amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to provide that the supplemental security income benefits of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities shall not be reduced by marriage.
- S 466 Fairness for Disabled Young Adults Act: This bill would amend title II of the Social Security Act to increase the age threshold for eligibility for child's insurance benefits on the basis of disability.
State Legislature Update
The Second Session, or the “short session”, started on 1/7/26, and the statutory adjournment date (the 3rd Wednesday of April) is scheduled for 4/15/26. Cloture occurred September 26, 2025. Only bills deemed to be “emergency bills” and bills put forth by the Governor can be considered, along with bills that were carried over from the previous session. The Legislative Council met to determine what bills will move forward and be considered in the Second Session. The bills considered and their outcomes is available online. Legislative Council has met numerous times and reviewed appeal requests, but the results have not been posted as of today. There’s a Department bill that has to do with the rate system I believe. None of the bills have language yet, but bill language will likely come out before the session starts.
The MCHQS 132nd Maine Legislature Resource Document, is a Google Document that MASCP created and includes budget, bill, and committee information.
As this group knows, there are a whole host of bills that either didn’t move through the House and Senate for votes for enactment or didn’t get funded off the Table. The vast majority of these bills were carried over into the next Legislative Session. And there are some bills that were enacted and sent to the Governor, but since the Legislature adjourned Sine Die, they were held by the Governor and will become law when the Legislature next convenes for at least three days. This happen when the Session began. The state has a surplus of $250 million. We’ll be looking at what the Governor is looking to do with this funding in the Supplemental Budget, which the Governor is expected to release soon.
Next Meeting Date: March 9th, 2026 (please note there will be no meeting in February)
Featured Speaker: Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association of Community Service Providers (MACSP).
Topic: An overview of legislation in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation. If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected].