Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill LD985

Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
3/2/23  
Engrossed
6/12/23  
Enrolled
6/12/23  

Caption

Resolve, to Provide Additional Funding to the Maine Veterans' Homes

Impact

If enacted, LD985 is set to positively impact state laws related to funding health services for veterans by providing a crucial financial boost to Maine Veterans' Homes. This measure reflects a commitment to the well-being of veterans and recognizes the importance of ensuring that these facilities can operate effectively. By utilizing funds from the Medical Use of Cannabis Fund, the bill illustrates a strategic approach to allocate available resources toward essential state services.

Summary

LD985, known as the Resolve to Provide Additional Funding to the Maine Veterans' Homes, aims to allocate a one-time funding measure to support the ongoing operations of Maine Veterans' Homes. The bill proposes a transfer of $2,600,000 from the Medical Use of Cannabis Fund into the state's General Fund and subsequently into the Department of Health and Human Services for the benefit of nursing facilities associated with the veterans' homes. This funding is essential to ensure that veterans in Maine receive the care and services they need without disruption.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD985 appears to be largely supportive, with various stakeholders recognizing the importance of providing adequate funding for veteran care. There is an overall consensus that supporting Maine Veterans' Homes is both a moral obligation and a necessary measure to uphold the state's commitment to its veterans. However, there may be some contention regarding the sourcing of funds from the cannabis sector, with differing opinions on whether this approach is appropriate.

Contention

Potential contention related to LD985 could arise from the financing mechanism itself, as it involves transferring funds from the Medical Use of Cannabis Fund. Critics may argue about the sustainability of relying on these funds for veterans' services and how it aligns with broader healthcare funding policies. Moreover, discussions may surface around the implications of using special revenue funds for one-time expenditures and the precedent it sets for future budget allocations regarding veteran services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD258

An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2023, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

ME LD2214

An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

ME LD1

An Act to Provide Funding for Winter Emergency Energy Relief and to Finalize the COVID Pandemic Relief Payment Program

ME LD206

An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023

ME LD2217

Resolve, to Require the Department of Health and Human Services to Amend Its MaineCare Reimbursement Rules to Provide Reimbursement to Veterans' Facilities on a Per Resident Basis

ME LD3

An Act to Establish the Winter Energy Relief Payment Program to Aid Residents with High Heating Costs and to Finalize the COVID Pandemic Relief Payment Program

ME LD424

An Act Making Certain Appropriations and Allocations and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2023, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025

ME LD209

An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025

ME LD182

An Act to Provide Per Diem Payments for MaineCare Residents of the Maine Veterans' Homes

ME SB0197

Appropriations: department of military and veterans affairs; appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.