Libby bills would protect and strengthen health insurance and retirement fund for firefighters and law enforcement officers

Posted: May 08, 2019 | Senator Libby

Bills from Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, to protect and strengthen the Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Health Insurance Program were the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee on Wednesday.

“The men and women who protect our communities and are always there for us in our times of need should be able to count on these funds to be there for them; it is only right,” said Sen. Libby. “Protecting retirement benefits are an important part of attracting and retaining local public safety professionals.”

LD 1664, “An Act To Place Funds for the Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Health Insurance Program into a Trust,” moves the program’s funds into a trust overseen by the State Treasurer so they cannot be raided and used for other purposes.

LD 1674, “An Act To Amend the Laws Concerning the Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Health Insurance Program,” makes amendments to the program to ensure earned benefits are accrued and disbursed fairly.

Paul Gaspar, executive director of the Maine Association of Police, was involved in the original setup of the fund. He spoke at the public hearing, saying “LDs 1664 and 1674 represent that continued stewardship, along with the program administrators, to improve and allow the program to continue to be successful for future first responders.”

Speaking to the success of the program and its intent, Ronnie Green, of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine, said, “it has done what it was intended to do, which is give a little bit of help to law enforcement officers and firefighters with health insurance in retirement so they are not stuck working well beyond their retirement age just so they would have health insurance.”

The Labor and Housing Committee will take an initial vote on the bills in the coming weeks.