AUGUSTA - Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, introduced legislation last week that would establish a task force to study the formation of a statewide commission on disabilities.
LD 1339 was inspired by Rep. Sachs' work with the Freeport Accessibility Task Force, a dedicated group of volunteers committed to increasing access and opportunities for those with different abilities in their community.
"As we began to dig into what state regulations and services might bolster their efforts, we recognized there is a patchwork of services sprinkled throughout state government, with some notable lapses," said Sachs. "It is time to gather everyone around the table to bring these critical issues to the forefront. Establishing a task force to study forming a commission on disabilities will ensure that important services are available for all Maine residents."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Maine adults are living with a disability, including 19% of school-aged children. If this legislation is enacted, Maine would join other New England states with similar commissions, including New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Sachs is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 102, which includes Freeport. She serves as House chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Sachs], c. 305-965-2744