Sen. Claxton applauds state budget deal that increases wage rates for essential support workers

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, the Maine Legislature passed a bipartisan state budget deal. One of the key measures included in the budget is an increase in MaineCare wage rates for direct care and essential support workers.

In response, Sen. Ned Claxton, D-Auburn, issued the following statement:

“For too long, the dedicated professionals in the direct care and essential support field have faced low wages even while they put in the time, energy and compassion to take care of our most vulnerable neighbors. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, their jobs only got harder. This is a group of hardworking caregivers who are overdue for an increase in their pay. I’m incredibly pleased that the budget we passed today includes this vital funding.”

The budget passed Wednesday raises MaineCare wage rates for direct care and essential support workers to 125 percent of minimum wage. These workers provide quality, compassionate and personalized care to the residents in their care. Paying direct care workers a fair, living wage recognizes the importance of their work and will help attract and retain quality professionals to this vital field. The budget also includes critical funding to maintain emergency rate increases that support nursing facilities and the hardworking professionals who care for the residents. Maine nursing homes and senior living facilities have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will help the facilities continue to operate and care for our loved ones.

The budget deal passed in the Senate on a vote of 32-2.