Speaker Fecteau Introduces Bill to Boost Wages and Strengthen Direct Care Workforce
LD 1932 will assess and aim to eliminate Maine’s care gap
AUGUSTA – Maine House Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau (D-Biddeford) today introduced LD 1932, An Act to Support Essential Support Workers and Enhance Workforce Development, addressing the critical shortage of direct care workers for older Mainers and the state’s disabled population.
As proposed, the legislation would require MaineCare to reimburse agencies at 140% of the minimum wage and mandate that workers receive at least 125% of the minimum wage. Maine is currently the oldest state in the nation, yet tens of thousands of authorized home care hours go unfilled every week due to staffing shortages. LD 1932 would use data to track this gap and implement a plan to close it using technology and improved training standards.
“We have families desperate for help and agencies desperate for staff, yet we lose essential workers due to unlivable wages,” said Speaker Fecteau. “I know firsthand how critical direct care workers are to the state of Maine, because my mom is a direct care worker. I’ve seen the intense physical and mental demands of these jobs, which are only exacerbated by the stress of low wages.”
“I am proud to support efforts that reinforce our commitment to supporting Maine’s most vulnerable residents,” said Representative Jennifer Poirier (R-Skowhegan), who cosponsored the bill. “This is not only about workforce development and retention — it’s about making sure individuals have the care and support they need to live their best lives. This bill will help secure the direct care workforce we need to stabilize and build vital daily services so that individuals can continue to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.”
“Direct support professionals dedicate themselves to one of the most essential, demanding, and deeply rewarding roles in our state,” said Stephanie Hatcher, a direct support professional and trainer with more than three decades of experience. “Many of my colleagues are forced to work two or even three jobs just to cover basic expenses. Recruitment and retention is a constant struggle. The people who suffer most are the individuals we support – people with disabilities who rely on a stable, caring workforce to meet their needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Direct care work is essential work. Let’s start treating it that way.”
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.
The Committee on Health and Human Services will consider LD 1932 in the coming weeks.
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