March 29, 2023
AUGUSTA – Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature’s Taxation Committee that would provide support to Maine’s agriculture and aquaculture producers while offering an additional pathway to meet Maine’s goal of ending hunger by 2030.
LD 641 would provide an income tax credit of up to $5,000 for businesses engaged in commercial agricultural production, commercial aquaculture production or commercial fishing that make donations to food banks, food kitchens and other tax-exempt organizations serving food insecure individuals in Maine.
“One in four Maine children is at risk for hunger, and 37% of them do not qualify for public assistance. With troubling statistics like these, we need to take a multifaceted approach to end hunger in Maine,” said Roberts. “This legislation would recognize and provide incentives to Maine food producers who play a role in our state’s response to hunger and food insecurity.”
A similar bill was presented by Roberts in the 130th legislature. That proposal received support in both the House and Senate but did not receive funding.
The Taxation Committee will hold a work session on the bill on Thursday, April 6, at 1:45 p.m.
Roberts is serving her third term representing House District 149, which includes portions of North and South Berwick. She serves as House chair of the Innovation, Development, Economics Advancement and Business Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Roberts], c. 305-965-2744
