Summer bonus ‘stimulus check’ of $ 850 by direct deposit is proposed for June

A PAYMENT worth $ 850 could be sent out to residents of Maine under a new proposal from the state governor.

If approved, the ‘stimulus checks’ can go out as early as June.

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Governor Janet Mills’ proposal is to give part of the state’s budget surplus back to taxpayers in the form of $ 850 direct payments, according to WGME.

There is now a push to get payments out even faster by sending the money electronically rather than by paper checks if they are approved.

The proposal has bi-partisan support, although some members of the Legislative Assembly want to speed things up further by using direct deposit.

In the past, Maine has never used direct deposit, and the state Department of Administrative and Financial Services says switching to it can create logistical problems that could potentially delay payments.

“Maine Revenue Services estimates that they have accurate banking information on file for less than half of the estimated 800,000 taxpayers who would be eligible for this relief.”

“This is the primary reason why DAFS considers paper checks to be the most reliable method of distribution at this time,” they said in a statement.

The state says it is still considering electronic payments as an option.

The proposal must be adopted by the Legislative Assembly with 2/3 approval.

Maine has a budget surplus of $ 822 million.

Gov. Mills originally suggested one-time payments at $ 500 for an estimated 800,000 taxpayers.

In addition to the one-time payments, Mills proposed funding the state employment sector, providing affordable high-speed broadband and free community college for those eligible.

“While I can not control the impact of COVID-19 on global markets, I can make sure we provide the Maine people with the resources they need to fight these rising costs while building a stronger sustainable economy, “Mills told lawmakers in a state. address.