AUGUSTA - Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, presented a bill Tuesday to address Maine's essential care worker shortage by providing workers and their families with money for college.
LD 1718 creates the Essential Support Worker Tuition Grant Program, which aims to attract and retain workers by providing tuition vouchers to one of the state's public universities or community colleges. The vouchers could be used by the worker or a member of their immediate family.
"Right now, finding essential support workers to care for an older loved one or a family member with a disability or behavioral health challenges is nearly impossible," said Meyer, a registered nurse and the House chair of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee. "Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to grow this crucial workforce, leaving far too many vulnerable Mainers without care. This proposal would incentivize more people to consider direct care and support work while also providing them with access to education. It's a solution that benefits both those who need care as well as our workforce and economy as a whole."
A recent report by the Maine Center for Economic Policy found that Mainers leaving the workforce because of challenges accessing direct care costs more than $1 billion in annual economic activity. At a time when businesses across the state are struggling to hire enough employees, the report estimates that more than 8,000 Mainers have left the workforce because they need to care for an older relative.
Becky Smith, director of government and community relations for the Maine Community College System, testified in favor of the measure and shared her own family's experience with needing direct care worker support. Despite the important and challenging work, Smith said that low pay is a barrier for essential support workers who want to pursue education.
"I have watched, assisted and learned from each of the people who have taken care of my family. Often, they are balancing their own family commitments, low pay and long commutes with the physically and emotionally demanding work of providing care," said Smith. "As I got to know them, they often expressed their interest in continuing their education or their concerns that they could not afford the education their spouse or children needed to fulfill their dreams. Many were working two or more jobs just to make ends meet and perhaps save a small amount of money for education. However, one medical bill, a bout with COVID, or a car repair sets them back to zero. The voucher program envisioned by LD 1718 would take some of the burden from those who have dedicated their career to be an essential support worker."
The Legislature's Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming days, at which time members will have the opportunity to debate and offer amendments before voting on a recommendation to the full Legislature.
Meyer is serving her third term in the Maine House. She represents House District 150, which includes Eliot and parts of both Kittery and South Berwick.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Meyer], c. 305-965-2744