New bill would raise reimbursement rate for direct care workers in Maine

AUGUSTA (WGME) — There’s a push in Augusta to give direct care workers in Maine a pay raise.

A bill would raise the rate for reimbursement of labor services from 125 percent of minimum wage to 140 percent.

The sponsor of the bill, Speaker Ryan Fecteau, points out Maine is the oldest state in the nation, and at the same time, there is a critical shortage of direct care workers, who are quitting over unlivable wages.

He says the raise he’s proposing would go a long way for employers.

“They’ll be able to do things like give raises to their employees for longevity, and this, in turn, will help keep people in these important jobs,” Fecteau said.

“It’s about building a system that actually works for the people whose needs are most important. Direct care is essential work. Let’s start treating it that way,” direct support professional Stephanie Hattrick said.

The only person speaking out against the bill Tuesday was the director of MaineCare, who said the increase would cost about $140 million and comes at a time when there is uncertainty surrounding the future of Medicaid after cuts by the Trump administration, approved by the Republican-controlled Congress.