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Funding crisis threatens to close group homes

"It's horrible it has to get to this point. He would lose his ability to sustain his skills."

LEWISTON (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- A petition drive is underway to get lawmakers to come back into session and approve a bill supporters say would avert a workforce crisis that could close group homes for thousands of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Last year, lawmakers approved a temporary measure that provided money to allow agencies to pay direct care workers minimum wage -- $10 an hour. Lawmakers adjourned earlier this month without voting on a bill that would have permanently raised the reimbursement rate.

The one-year funding measure is now set to expire June 30.

Nonprofit agencies that provide direct care workers who assist people with intellectual disabilities in group homes and other programs are making contingency plans to cut services.

"If we experience this 12 percent cut the rate will longer support minimum wage and agencies will operating at a deficit," said Lydia Dawson, executive director of the Maine Association for Community Service Providers.

Democrat and Republican leaders say they are willing to sit down to begin the process of calling lawmakers back into session.

The bill has strong support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

More information can be found here:

MACSP Facebook page

Community Connect Maine Facebook group

Maine Coalition of Housing and Quality Services

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