Health and Human Services Committee Unanimously Advances Speaker Fecteau’s Bill to Strengthen Direct Care Workforce

LD 1932 will provide a much-needed cost-of-living adjustment for workers

AUGUSTA – The Health and Human Services Committee today voted in unanimous support of an amended version of LD 1932, An Act to Support Essential Support Workers and Enhance Workforce Development, proposed by Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau (D-Biddeford). The bill seeks to address the critical shortage of direct care workers for older Mainers and the state’s disabled population. 

The bill as amended will establish a 3.07% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to increase reimbursement for direct care workers. It will also require that Maine Health Data Organization and the Department of Health and Human Services report on the “care gap” in Maine - the difference between the home and community-based services individuals are authorized to receive and the services they actually received.

“I know firsthand how critical these roles are to folks in our communities. I’ve seen my mom work in this field, giving her all to the people she’s cared for,” said Speaker Fecteau. “The unlivable wages these workers earn are leaving agencies desperate for staff and families desperate for help. It’s past time to make sure wages match the importance of direct care work, and I appreciate the committee’s support of my proposal.”

Organizations that rely on direct care and support professionals applauded the committee’s support for the bill. 

“Today's vote of support from the committee is deeply appreciated by the many direct support professionals who dedicate themselves to serving individuals in need across our state,” said Mark Eves, Executive Director of Woodfords Family Services. “The proposals in Speaker Fecteau's bill will make a real, positive change in recruitment and retention for our organization. I extend my thanks to the committee for recognizing how essential this work is for older folks and those with disabilities who rely on the direct care workforce to lead safe, secure lives as productive contributors to their communities.”

"Maine’s care gap has widened into a chasm, leaving tens of thousands of Mainers without the care and support they need,” said Jess Maurer, Executive Director of Maine Council on Aging. “Speaker Fecteau’s bill includes the bold steps needed to address Maine’s care crisis, including critical investments in the workforce that will lead to stability and predictability in care. Thanks to the Speaker for his commitment and hard work on this bill and to the HHS Committee for recognizing this and for their unanimous support for this critical bill.”

As rising costs hit Maine families, LD 1932 reflects Speaker Fecteau’s commitment to lowering costs, strengthening local communities, and ensuring government is responsive to hard-working Mainers.

LD 1932 will head to the full Legislature for additional votes in the coming weeks. 

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