AUGUSTA - Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, has been named a 2023 Maternal and Child Health Fellow, a program by the National Conference of State Legislatures that supports state legislative leaders in child and maternal health policy from across the country.
Millett, a longtime member of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, will engage with other legislative leaders and policy experts, build knowledge about new research and work to identify steps for immediate action in Maine.
"For more than 15 years, I have worked on education policy and legislation that impacts Maine children and young adults," said Millett. "Throughout that time, it has been abundantly clear that a child's health and well-being is a critical foundation for their future success. We know child and maternal health outcomes ripple throughout families, communities and statewide economies. There is nothing more important for us as policymakers and citizens than to make sure young children and their parents have access to the care and support they need."
The yearlong fellowship covers intersections with the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, as well as legislative trends, research and cost-effective strategies. Each cohort comprises of roughly 20 to 25 legislators and staff. Millett was selected for the 2023 cohort from a record pool of applicants.
Millett is serving her second term in the Maine House and previously served eight years in the Maine Senate. In addition to serving on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, she is a member of the budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. She is also the founder and co-chair of the Legislature's Children's Caucus.
The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization serving legislators and legislative staff in Americas 50 states and territories. The organization creates opportunities for lawmakers and staff to share knowledge and ideas, allowing policymakers to make sound decisions to address the concerns of their constituents.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Millett], c. 305-965-2744