The Maine Children’s Alliance advocates for sound public policies and promotes best practices to improve the lives of Maine children, youth, and families.
During the second regular session of the 130th Maine Legislature, MCA has been working hard to elevate the voices and interests of Maine children and families with decision makers. As the session winds down this month, we want to update you on where MCA’s priority bills stand now in the legislative process.
Our priorities this session cross issue areas, including carried-over and new legislation, and provisions in the budget in key areas of child and family well-being. We continue to urge lawmakers to focus recovery and budget investments on strengthening Maine families with the greatest needs and bolstering critical services and programs that will support their ability to thrive.
Early Care and Education
LD 1652 would strengthen Maine’s child care system by increasing wages to improve recruitment and retention of the early care and education workforce. This bill was carried over from last session, is included in the Governor’s proposed supplemental budget, and has passed in votes in both the House and Senate.
LD 533 would expand access to early childhood consultation services that support parents and educators working with children with challenging behaviors. This bill was carried over from last session, has received a divided committee report this session, and awaits further votes in the House and Senate.
A proposed bill from the Maine Department of Education would transfer responsibility for preschool special education services for children ages 3-6 to public school districts. The bill would also eliminate Child Development Services and create a new independent education unit. The legislation received a public hearing and is still in process in committee. More information can be found on the Education Committee website.
Health, Safety & Well-being
LD 393 and LD 1850 would invest in prevention and family supportive services to reduce child maltreatment. These bills were introduced this session, have received divided committee reports, and await votes in the House and Senate.
LD 1960 and LD 1853 would improve capacity, effectiveness, and oversight of the child protection system. These bills were introduced this session and passed in votes in the House and Senate last week. LD 1960 is included in the Governor’s supplemental budget proposal.
LD 372 would increase the number of children with health insurance coverage through expanded eligibility and improved outreach on low-cost children’s health insurance options. This bill was carried over from last session and received an ought to pass as amended vote in committee this session, and recently passed in votes in both the House and Senate. It now goes to the Appropriations Table.
LD 1501 would improve access and coordination of children’s oral health care services. This bill was carried over from last session and waits on the Appropriations Table.
Family Economic and Food Security
LD 1748 would reduce barriers and improve family-centered service delivery of the state’s safety net programs. The bill was introduced this session and received an ought to pass as amended vote in committee. It awaits votes in both the House and Senate.
LD 1952 would continue the work of the Commission to create an effective paid family leave system that works for all Mainers. The bill was introduced this session and received an ought to pass as amended vote in committee. It awaits votes in both the House and Senate.
Race Equity
MCA stands with our partners in supporting priority legislation this session to advance the Vision for an Equitable Maine, including healthcare and affordable housing for all, Wabanaki self-governance, and better data for equitable decision making.
Budget
We urge policymakers and state leaders to invest in a budget that recognizes and responds to the unique challenges of the moment, prioritizes the important role that children and families play in our state, and acknowledges ongoing racial inequities that must be addressed.
MCA applauds key provisions in the proposed supplemental and change packages, including:
- Free school meals for all students
- Increased wages for the child care workforce
- Meeting the state’s obligation to fund schools at 55%
- Investment in behavioral health services
- Investment in the child welfare system
- Two years of free community college for classes 2020-2023
- Increase in maximum benefit of Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families
And we urge legislators to finalize a budget that makes additional investments in the initiatives, programs, and services critical to supporting the health and well-being of children, youth, and families across our state.
Children live in families, families live in communities, and communities make up our great state – each is dependent on the other to achieve shared success. Together, we can create state policies and investments that reflect our values, provide healthy futures for our children, and offer greater opportunity for all. Now is the moment for decision makers to show that commitment through legislation and a budget that invests in Maine families.
Stay tuned for opportunities to take action to support these priorities as they continue to move forward in the legislative process!
Maine Kids VOICE 