AUGUSTA - The Maine Senate approved LD 1010, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, to establish the Maine Service Fellows Wednesday. The legislation would create a state-based program for young Mainers interested in participating in public health and housing service opportunities in rural and underserved communities.
The amended bill specifies that the program will be made available to all young Mainers and incorporates an advisory committee to assist the Maine Commission for Community Service in the implementation of the program, which aims to launch its inaugural class of Maine Service Fellows in 2022. Fellows will work to address both immediate and ongoing issues related to public health, housing, workforce development and further issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"For years, our state has been focused on retaining young people, not only for their contributions to our workforce and economy, but for the creativity they bring to tackling our state's most difficult issues," said Rielly. "LD 1010 offers an opportunity for those who wish to stay in Maine and help rural communities across the state flourish. The Maine Service Fellows program will empower a new generation of leaders to tackle key issues, create a sense of belonging in our communities and begin to restore trust in our neighbors and also our democracy."
Rielly is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. He represents a portion of Westbrook.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Rielly], c. 812-1111