This state is giving out $300 relief checks and just made community college free for its residents

American families have been dealing with a rough patch for the past few years. A majority of voters thought putting Donald Trump back at the helm of the economy would improve their lot after the nation experienced a stretch of high inflation in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

Over a year since he’s been back in the White House inflation has failed to fall any further thanks in no small part to his policies with tariffs. In fact, the latest data shows that price increases accelerated and gas prices have spiked thanks to his “short-term excursion,” i.e. war, bombing Iran.

Democrats in Maine’s legislature took steps to help alleviate some of the financial pain for residents in the state when they passed a $519 million budget on Thursday along party lines. Among the measures included in the bill are enshrining free community college for high school graduates and $300 relief checks.

$300 ‘affordability checks’ coming this summer

Roughly half a million Mainers will be seeing a $300 relief check hitting their bank accounts beginning this summer. Democrat lawmakers dipped into the state’s the budget stabilization fund, often called the “rainy day fund,” to find the money necessary.

Governor Janet Mills advocated for the $300 ‘affordability checks’ in January saying that they will “offset in some small way the cost of goods and groceries that are increasing because of tariffs and other circumstances beyond our state’s control.” She signed the budget bill on Friday and it will take effect 90 days after that. So, the soonest checks could start going out is 15 July, 2026.

Who will qualify for the $300 ‘affordability checks’

Approximately 514,000 Maine residents will be eligible for the $300 relief checks. In order to qualify, they must file a 2025 tax return and have income below the established threshold. For individual filers, they need to earn less than $50,000 a year, heads of household that make under $75,000 a year, and married couples filing jointly $100,000 a year.

Maine high school graduates will get free community college

More than 23,000 Maine high school graduates have enjoyed free tuition at Maine’s seven community colleges since the program began in 2023. With the signing of the Fiscal Year 2026--2027 supplemental budget the program is now permanent.

In order to qualify for the two years of free tuition program, students must earn a high school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET) since 2023, enroll in a degree or certificate program, and fill out the FAFSA, accepting any student aid they are offered. They must also be a resident of Maine and live in state while enrolled. There are no income or age limits.

“If you are willing to work hard and build your future here, Maine is ready to invest in your success,” said Governor Mills in a statement. She added that this program “ensures that student debt will never be a barrier to a good-paying job here in Maine.”

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.