AUGUSTA - The Maine Association of Community Service Providers (MACSP) has awarded Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, with the Legislative Champion Award for 2021.
The MACSP Legislative Champion Award is given to a state representative or senator who champions legislation benefitting people with disabilities and the providers and direct care workers who support them. Rep. Fay is being recognized for her efforts in passing LD 1573, legislation that increases the reimbursement rates for wages of frontline long-term care workers to 125% of the minimum wage and ties the new rates to any future increases in the minimum wage.
"On behalf of our more than 75 member organizations, I am thrilled to honor the work of Rep. Fay with our Legislative Champion Award," said MACSP Executive Director Laura Cordes. "As co-chair of the Long-Term Care Workforce Commission, she has been instrumental in shining a light on the critical need to raise wages for direct support professionals who provide services to thousands of Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her tireless drive over the course of two years to pass LD 1573 led to its adoption by the Legislature and will mean a historic increase in wages for thousands of direct care workers in the months ahead."
"Working on issues that directly impact the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers in positive ways is a great privilege," said Fay. "I am humbled by this recognition, and it is a reminder there is much more to do."
Fay will be honored at the MACSP conference on May 11.
Fay, who represents part of Casco, part of Poland and part of Raymond, is in her third term in the House. She serves on the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and the Government Oversight Committee. She is also the House chair of the bipartisan Legislative Caucus on Aging.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Fay], c. 812-1111