On January 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the Joint Standing Committee for Health & Human Services will be hosting a public hearing on LD 1932: An Act to Support Essential Support Workers and Enhance Workforce Development.
Maine’s economy and communities depend on a strong, reliable direct care workforce and LD 1932 provides solutions to ensure that every Mainer in need of care and support services has access to consistent and predictable care from skilled, valued workers — no matter the setting. This legislation, sponsored by Speaker of the House, Ryan Fecteau, supports workers, enhances care quality, and addresses future workforce needs and is the result of years of stakeholder engagement.
Specifically, this bill does the following:
1. Increases Essential Care Reimbursement Rates and Worker Pay
Increases MaineCare reimbursement rates to employers of essential care and support workers to 140% of the minimum wage and ensures no worker serving MaineCare recipients is paid less than 125% of minimum wage when their employer is being reimbursed at the 140% level. This ensures that even entry-level employees are earning above minimum wage.
2. Uses Technology to Improve Care
Creates a plan to use technology to fill care gaps and make services more efficient.
3. Provides Better Training
Develops a consistent training program for all care workers, reducing redundancies and helping them gain skills and deliver high-quality care.
4. Improves Oversight
Strengthens the state committee that tracks the State’s progress in reducing care gaps and improving services.
5. Uses Data to Empower Action
Collects and analyzes data to understand where care gaps exist and to plan better services.
6. Plans for the Future
Looks ahead to the needs of Maine’s aging population and ensures the state is prepared to meet growing care demands.
By making long-term investments in the direct care workforce, Maine affirms its commitment to dignity, fairness, and collective well-being. When the workforce is strong, care is reliable—and Maine’s families, communities, and economy are stronger as a result. The Speaker’s bill does just this.
For more information, download our LD 1932 Fact Sheet or reach out to Jess Fay. Please subscribe to our Newsletter to stay in touch.