Legislature Passes $2 Million in Annual Funding to Maine’s Recovery Community Centers

LD 1714 now heads to the Governor's Desk

Augusta, Maine – Yesterday marked the culmination of the Second Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature, as it convened for its final day. Among its last actions, the legislature passed LD 1714, a bill spearheaded by Representative Ambureen Rana of Bangor House District 21. The bill now heads to Governor Mills' desk for her signature. LD 1714 allocates $2,000,000 annually to the Recovery Community Centers Fund starting in July of 2025. Yesterday’s action was the result of a two-year effort by Maine’s recovery community to secure sustainable funding for the over 20 recovery community centers in Maine.

“Last night’s vote was the result of two years of grassroots organizing and advocacy by Maine’s recovery community to ensure that recovery community centers will have a sustainable funding source for many years to come. These centers, many operating on shoestring budgets and hopes and dreams, make sure no one gets left behind on their recovery journey,” said Representative Rana (D-Bangor). “When I think about recovery community centers, I think about the Bangor Area Recovery Network, located just across the river from where I live in Bangor. I think about their slogan, ‘supporting recovery is a community responsibility.’ The passing of LD 1714 confirms this. It is our collective responsibility to sustain these centers.”

“My center has faced significant challenges covering basic operating costs, especially during harsh winters where heating expenses can strain budgets,” explains Kelly Cookson, Executive Director of Save A Life Recovery Community Center of Lincoln. “While we are grateful for the support from federal and state administrations, funding gaps have threatened our ability to maintain essential services. The decision to fund LD 1714 has allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief.”

“Last night in a final action of the 131st Maine Legislature, we delivered for Mainers in recovery and their families. Recovery Community Centers, like the one in my district, the Hill Recovery Centers, serve people who are trying to get out of their substance use crisis in a tremendously effective way,” said Senator Rick Bennett (R-Oxford). “LD 1714 passage is a testament to the power of bipartisan persistence and collaboration. It represents our commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

“The passage of LD 1714 signifies a monumental victory for Maine's recovery community, marking the culmination of two years of grassroots advocacy. While there is always more work to be done, this victory reaffirms our commitment to advocating for the resources and support needed to ensure that individuals and families facing addiction have access to the help they deserve,” said Courtney Gary-Allen, Organizing Director of Maine Recovery Action Project. “I look forward to Governor Mills signing the bill and thank her for her continued support for people in recovery throughout Maine. Together, we can build a Maine where everyone has what they need to enter and sustain recovery, whatever that means for them.”