Maine Mobile Home Crisis | Portland Maine News

0:00It's September 5th. This is Portland, Maine News Today, local news powered by AI. Troy Jackson was out campaigning and stopped by a mobile home park. Residents there are dealing with some serious issues, like rent hikes that have gone from $435 a month to $600, $25 over just three years. One resident showed him water that came out of her faucet brown, saying it's been a problem for years and the park owners aren't fixing it. Jackson was talking about how important it is for people to come together and he feels strongly that the state should step in if needed to take over. These parks. He mentioned wanting to prevent private equity firms from coming in and just making a profit off these communities, suggesting the state could hold. On to them until residents can eventually own them. This is a big deal for folks on fixed incomes, like social security, who are struggling to keep up with rising costs. They're worried about being able to afford their homes as rents climb. It's a situation that's hitting many communities across Maine, with some already passing

1:02rent control measures. Maine did recently pass a law giving residents the first chance to buy their parks when they go up for sale and some residents have already used it. Jackson also said he's ready to fight against out-of-state companies that are buying up and running these parks, calling for investigations and audits. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Senator Collins pointed out that Collins has secured significant funding for affordable housing and water. Infrastructure, including money for mobile home communities. They also noted that housing affordability became a bigger issue during Jackson's time in the state house.