Committee unanimously backs Sen. Duson bill to increase pay for statewide sexual assault survivor advocates

Posted: April 12, 2025 | Health and Human Services, Senator Duson

AUGUSTA — On April 10, 2025, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously in support of LD 117, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill Duson’s bill to increase the base pay for advocates of sexual assault survivors at the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA). The committee vote was 11-0.

Sen. Duson in her chair on the floor of the Maine Senate Chamber.
Sen. Jill Duson, D-Portland

“Maine people deserve compassionate care and resources when unthinkable acts of sexual violence occur,” said Sen. Duson. “Thanks to the work and leadership of the Health and Human Services Committee, my bill to continue providing compassionate, survivor-centered care and resources through the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault moves one step closer to becoming law. I am grateful to the Committee and everyone who shared their stories and insight at the public hearing and urge my colleagues to join me in voting in support of this bill on the floor.”

LD 117, as written, would provide $1.23 million in the 2025/2026 biennium and $1.83 million in the 2026/2027 biennium to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide funding for sexual assault survivor advocates. In the 131st Legislature, Senator Duson sponsored LD 566 (nearly identical to this session’s LD 117), which would have increased wages for sexual assault survivor advocates but was pocket-vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills following adjournment of the Second Regular Session. 

The bill is cosponsored by a slate of bipartisan legislators including: Rep. Nathan Carlow, R-Buxton; Sen. Richard Bennett, R-Oxford; Pres. Matthea Daughtry, D-Brunswick; Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop; Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook; Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach; Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill; Rep. Matt Moonen, D-Portland; and Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay.

Nearly 100 members of the public, including survivors, survivor advocates, law enforcement professionals and clinical providers, provided written or spoken testimony to the Health and Human Services Committee. 

LD 117 now faces votes in the full Senate and House.