Senate enacts Sen. Rafferty bill to increase wages in the Maine Apprenticeship Program

AUGUSTA — On Monday, the Maine Senate enacted a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk. The bill, LD 648, “An Act To Improve the Lives of Maine Workers by Supporting Apprenticeships That Lead to Good-paying Jobs,” would leverage existing Maine Apprenticeship Program funds to increase apprentice wages. 

“This bill is all about supporting better wages for hard-working Mainers who are looking for in-demand careers here in our state. I am thankful that my colleagues voted in favor of these efforts,” said. Sen. Rafferty. “It is no secret that our state is struggling to keep young folks working and living here. This bill makes critical investments in our apprenticeship program, which in turn will make the program more competitive as time goes on. This is an important factor in keeping young Mainers living here, now and in the future, which is a big goal of mine in the Legislature.” 

LD 648, as amended, calls for the Maine Apprenticeship Program to apply at least 75 percent of program funding toward apprenticeship programs in which the apprentices earn at least 1.25 times the minimum wage upon completion of the apprenticeship agreement. 

LD 648 now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature.