Legislative Update   State Rep. Melissa Walsh Innes   House District 107 - Yarmouth     News from Augusta    October 2009 State Rep. Melissa Walsh Innes 400 East Elm Street Yarmouth, ME 04096   846-4302 Home 318-8742 Cell RepMelissa.Innes@legislature.maine.gov     Quick Links Web site Dear Amy,   With Election Day fast approaching, I'm sure many of you can't wait to see it come and go.  The amount of advertisements, news stories and material billed as "information" is at its highest right about now and it can be overwhelming.   If you'd like read through the statewide ballot questions, I'd encourage you to visit the Secretary of State Web site for the actual wording and what a yes or no vote means.    No matter how you choose to cast your ballot, be sure to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.   The second session of the 124th Legislature begins in January. I would encourage you to participate by shadowing me, attending or speaking at public hearings or simply by contacting me with questions or concerns.    Legislative leaders have set an aggressive schedule to get through our work as quickly as possible, as we did last session, to save taxpayer money.  I want to make sure your voice is heard on important matters.  Please don't hesitate to contact me. Sincerely,   Melissa Walsh Innes State Representative   Let's Connect!   I will be holding office hours every Monday afternoon from 3 - 4 p.m. throughout November and December at the Royal Bean.    Your input is very important to me and if you'd like to sit down with me to discuss an issue or if I can help you navigate state government, I'd love to meet with you.  I'm also available by phone and e-mail.  Maine Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program   The 2009 Maine Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program applications are now available.  Maine homeowners and renters may be eligible for a refund of up to $1,600 on property taxes paid in 2008.  The refund is available to homeowners and renters who meet the income requirements:  families earning up to $81,850 are eligible, as well as individuals earning up to $61,400.    In order to qualify for a refund, 2008 property taxes must be more than four percent of household income, or the yearly rent paid must be more than 20 percent of household income.  Seniors who's income is below $13,900 for individuals and $17,200 for a family do not need to meet these requirements. Nearly 200,000 households are eligible for the Circuit Breaker rebate, but many Maine homeowners and renters don't apply and forfeit their rebates.   Applications are available on-line here and can be printed out and mailed or submitted electronically.