AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing voted on Monday to advance LD 213, a bill sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millet, D - Cape Elizabeth, that would provide greater equity in firefighters' access to health care coverage for reproductive system cancer.
Under the Maine Workers' Compensation Act of 1992, there is a rebuttable presumption that a firefighter who has contracted prostate cancer or testicular cancer has contracted the cancer as a result of that firefighter's employment. This bill adds gynecologic cancer to the definition of cancer. Millett's bill would allow for all Maine firefighters to receive comparable protection no matter their sex.
"This bill is about basic equality," said Millett. "It is a known fact that this high-risk occupation exposes firefighters to a wide range of cancer-causing chemicals and substances, increasing reproductive system cancer risks. Passing this legislation ensures that we provide equal coverage to those that risk their lives every day to protect ours."
The bill will face votes in the full House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Millett is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents District 30, part of Cape Elizabeth. She sits on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Millett], c. 812-1111