AUGUSTA - Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, will host a virtual press conference to announce new legislation, report, recommending several policy measures to ensure that Maine has enough direct care workers to support Maine's demographic patterns. The report predicts that 14 counties will have more than 25% of the population aged over 65 years by 2026. Fays bill would implement the commissions recommendations by increasing reimbursement rates for in-home and community support services, ensuring that direct care workers are paid adequately and establishing an oversight advisory committee to monitor workforce shortages.
Following the press conference, Fay will present the bill in a public hearing before the Health and Human Services Committee. The public hearing will be livestreamed here.
WHAT: Virtual press conference on Maines long-term care workforce issues and in support of LD 1573, a bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay.WHO:
WHEN: Monday, May 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond
- Sen. Lisa Keim, R-
- Jess Maurer, executive director at Maine Council on Aging
- Duska Day, personal support specialist at Aroostook Agency on Aging
- Laura Cordes, executive director at Maine Association for Community Service Providers
- Annette Beyea, DO, MPH, Maine Dartmouth Geriatric Medicine
- Donald Harden, director of aging services at Maine Catholic Charities
- Brenda Gallant, RN, executive director at the Maine Long-term Care Ombudsman Program
HOW TO WATCH AND ASK QUESTIONS:
Register to join the Zoom press conference here. If you have any questions, email Jackie.Merrill@legislature.maine.gov. When you log into Zoom, you will enter a waiting room. Only those who have registered will be allowed into the press conference, where you will be muted upon entry. Once you are in the Zoom call, there are two ways to submit a question: Select the 'Raise Hand" button toward the bottom right of your screen. Enter your question in the chat, along with your name and outlet.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Fay], c. 812-1111