AUGUSTA - Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, has introduced a bill that would ensure female firefighters receive cancer coverage for reproductive system cancers. Currently, prostate and testicular cancers are covered under the Workers Compensation Act of 1992, while female reproductive system cancers are not. There will be a public hearing on L.D. 213, An Act To Require Coverage for Female Firefighters Facing Reproductive System Cancer, on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Other states already offer cancer coverage to female firefighters. Millett wants to be sure Maine's female firefighters arent taking on more risk than their male counterparts by being left out of certain types of cancer care.
"Theyre protecting our communities. We need to protect them, too," said bill author Rep. Millett, "We want to make sure female firefighters get the cancer care they need. Right now, prostate cancer is protected while cervical cancer is not. This law will catch Maine up to the fact that female firefighters are serving on many Maine fire departments in 2021 and are just as deserving of cancer care as their male counterparts."
"The men and women who run towards a burning building while the rest of us run away deserve the same basic care and protection for health conditions developed or exposed to on the job. This is a matter of equity," said Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash. "It is clear to me that our state laws need to be updated to better care for female firefighters who put themselves in harms way to keep us all safe. Im grateful that Rep. Millett has brought this bill forward and I hope the committee will join me in supporting this responsible reform."
The public hearing is scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 10:00 a.m. before the Legislatures Committee on Labor and Housing. Committees will be conducting all meetings electronically, not receiving testimony at the State House complex at this time. Written testimony can be submitted via the Legislatures website portal. To register to provide oral testimony over the electronic platform or via a toll-free phone number, contact the Labor and Housing Committee Clerk. Individuals interested in providing oral testimony are encouraged to register no later than 30 minutes before the start of the hearing. Registrations received after that time will be accepted at the discretion of the committee chairs.
Persons with special needs wishing to participate in a Legislative hearing who require accommodations should notify the Legislative Information Office as soon as possible via phone at 207-287-1692 or via email at Legislative Information Office.
Contact:
Jenna Howard [Millett], 214-3185