AUGUSTA - A proposal by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, would help low-income families and families with children with disabilities access high-quality programming after school.
LD 1866 would ensure that after-school programs are able to provide appropriate support, including additional staff support, to children with disabilities. It would also ensure families receiving child care subsidies can use them to pay for after-school programs offered by their local school district or recreational program.
"Children with disabilities deserve the same after-school opportunities as their classmates. LD 1866 would address a longstanding lack of resources to help after-school programs support children with disabilities," said Gramlich. "My bill would also help low-income families access local recreational after-school programming that is often less expensive, more convenient for working parents and a better fit for students. Securing child care, particularly after-school care, has become increasingly difficult for Maine families, and we need to address that."
Old Orchard Beach Recreation Director Jason Webber testified in support of Gramlich's proposal. He told the story of a local family with two children, one of whom is provided with one-on-one support during the school day. That support only extends to the end of the school day, despite the fact that the student's working parents need after-school care for their children.
"These are working-class families looking for help and to have their young daughter be treated the same as everyone else," Webber said.
According to the Afterschool Alliance, after-school programs are crucial to help young people develop life skills and to give working parents peace of mind that their children are safe and engaged. Despite the importance of these programs, unmet demand is high in Maine. For every child enrolled in after-school programs, five more are waiting for a spot.
The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on the proposal in the coming weeks.
Gramlich is a longtime social worker and public health advocate who is currently serving her second term in the Maine House. She is a member of the Taxation Committee and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Gramlich], c. 812-1111