AUGUSTA - Over Republican opposition, the House advanced a bill on Thursday from Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, to increase access to participation on certain state boards and commissions by allowing departments to authorize equitable compensation for participants.
Current law excludes certain state boards and commissions from authorizing compensation for participants. This bill would authorize, but not require, a department to provide reasonable compensation for participation on such advisory boards.
"I have served on many boards throughout my life and have found the experiences to be incredibly rewarding," said Dhalac. "But being able to give up a day of paid work to volunteer my time is a privilege that not all Mainers enjoy. Yet it is often those individuals who cannot afford to take time off or be away from family members whose voices are so badly needed in these positions. LD 2152 would make it possible for more people to lend their experience and expertise to important state matters."
This bill would authorize informal advisory organizations established exclusively by a state agency to advise the commissioner or director of that agency on an informal basis to compensate participants. Each department or agency would be able to determine compensation levels, which would be funded within existing resources.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Dhalac is serving her first term in the Maine House and serves on the State and Local Government Committee. After fleeing civil war in Somalia, she became the first Somali-American mayor in the country.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Dhalac], c. 305-965-2744