2018 Local Candidates

Maine Disability Campaign Questionnaire:
Candidates for the State Legislature

Below please find the Maine Disability Campaign Questionnaire, circulated to candidates running for office in 2018. Responses for each candidate who completed the survey are below, and clearly marked.

In the current election cycle, official conversations around policies that will affect people with disabilities and their families have typically varied between two extremes: holding up disabled people as an example of the deserving poor, and using their mistreatment as an excuse to continue austere policies for other vulnerable groups; and complete silence. Given that 1 in 5 Americans, and nearly 230,000 Mainers have some form of disability, we are surprised that more candidates aren’t taking the disability vote seriously.

To that end, we invite you to engage with our survey to the maximum extent you’re able. If you can speak to only a few questions, please do so. Within this companion document (follow below link), you will find versions of the survey questions with embedded resources for each question. Even if you choose not to participate in the survey, you are welcome to use the companion document to inform your policy positions going forward.

Your answers will be shared with thousands of Mainers via Disability Voters of Maine (formerly Disability Activists and Allies of Maine), Community Connect ME, the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, and other partner organizations.

The questions are broken down into sections based on the office you are seeking, - All Candidates, Gubernatorial and State Offices, and Congressional - but please answer questions in any category if you have a position you’d like to share with us.

All Candidates:
The following series of questions is for all candidates:
1. What is your name, and what office are you seeking?

Nate Libby, Maine Senate District 21
Charles Galemmo, Maine House District 5
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, Maine House District 18
Jan Collins, State Senate District 17
Bettyann Sheats, Maine House District 64
James R Handy Maine House District 58
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11
Brian P. Kresge, Maine Senate District 98
Laura Farnsworth, Maine House District 145
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25

2. Do you have designated advisors on disability issues? Have you already established policy proposals and/or clear processes for decision making on disability issues? Please describe.

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I'm a parent of a 9 year old with cerebral palsy on the severe end of the spectrum, so I have a unique perspective among legislators on disability issues. I regularly speak with family members, service providers, clients, and disability rights advocates on issues pending before the Legislature.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: No advisor, I don't have specific policy proposals but fully support accessiblity for thouse with disabilities.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): As a 3 term Democratic incumbent, my record of support for the differently abled population speaks for itself. It has been my policy to concentrate on serving my constituents and generally do not fill out questionnaires.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): no; As a teacher, parent and grandparent of people with disabilities I have been an advocate for accomodations for decades. However I have no written policy.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: I draw from a number of sources. I run most things through my daughter who is finishing her masters and is about to be a Licensed Mental Health Councelor. She also suffers from anxiety, which is how she was introduced to councelling.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: I sponsored legislation to bring Mental Health First Aid to schools and another would establish a Mental Health Education Loan Repayment Program providers (social workers). I successfully sponsored a bill to restore funding to Maine’s School Based Health Centers. I sponsored legislation to require insurance carriers in Maine to make available coverage for hearing aids at a minimum of $3000 each.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Our offices are not designed like larger state legislatures; thus, we do not have advisors. However, I do know those in the community who I can rely on for advise and information concerning disability issues.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): We're a state legislative campaign, so no. I have a peer with whom I worked during the Gary Johnson campaign, Warren Fried, who runs Dyspraxia USA and was the campaign's nuerodiversity director, who I consult on many matters. I also look to my wife, a long-time special educator.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: I don't have official advisors but rather I have had 60 years to gather friends who either have disabilities or have worked in the field.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: No
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: no
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: I have met with a group of parents of adult children with disabilities to learn about the critical issues they and their children face, and to understand priorities for legislative action. I have professional experience representing clients in employment law matters involving accommodating disabilities and disability discrimination. I do not have a specific process for making decisions on disability issues, though I would like to hear your suggestions.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: Prior to joining the legislature, I worked closely with Kim Humphrey and members of Community Connect, and I did a project for families of adults with disabilities funded by the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council. I maintain those relationships with leaders like Kim Humphrey and Debbie Dionne as well as consumers like Eric McVay and Anna McDougal. I also follow the advice of MACSP, Maine Autism Society and Disability Rights Maine very closely. My process is to gather information from constituents, advocacy organizations and the people doing the work before making my decision.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Nothing formal. My son, age 18, has a severe form of muscular dystrophy, and I am his primary caregiver. While he's the one with the disability, accessibility and support services are as much my battle as his.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: I do not have a single advisor but rather seek input from various parties.

3. Is your campaign accessible and inclusive to people with disabilities? Please describe.

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: Yes. My campaign does not have millions of dollars to spend campaigning, so I personally visit voters at their door across the city of Lewiston, which costs next to nothing. I've been campaigning door-to-door since May and have covered about 4/7 of the city of 40,000 people so far. I meet voters where they are, how they are.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: I am a one person campaign. I use facebook, knock on doors, do mailings and put up signs. There is no office or staff.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): I believe there is only one reason why anyone should run for elected office- to be a voice for those who have none. My campaign is open to all who wish to participate.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: yes. My campaign is pretty much me knocking on people's doors to talk.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Yes. I have advisors to my campaign that have disabilities as well as practitioners.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Again, Maine is a little bit different from larger states. I am a campaign team of one.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): It is! We try to make sure we do campaign communications across a variety of media, as budget allows.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: yes, in my parade team, safety team and my sign team.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Yes. I am not inaccessible or exclusive to any group or organization in my district, Bath, Maine.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Candidate did not answer.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: My canvassing effort is inclusive, in that I address and engage all voters.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: Yes. I talk on the phone regularly to people with disabilities, and some of my volunteers are people with disabilities.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: My campaign consists of me knocking on constituents' doors
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: I do my level best run an inclusive and accessible campaign.

4. Describe your record of accomplishments (or history of advocacy) aimed at improving, or a plan to improve, the lives of people with disabilities? What makes this an important issue for you?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I spend a great deal of time advocating for funding of services for those with physical or cognitive disabilities, whether its stopping rate cuts to various sections of the MaineCare reimbursement rates or pushing rate increases to make sure we have enough providers to offer the services people need. On a personal note, I've spent the last 3 years raising funds to build Maine's first universally accessible playground - a $700,000 project - that is being built in Lewiston currently.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Firsti s medicaid expansion which will assist those with disabilitie get care. Next I support the home-care referendum and if it fails beleive the legislature needs to find a way to implement it. I would like to see the State fund 100% of special education costs in schools to help communities and remove any friction the expense may cause.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): My husband and I adopted three children through the foster care system all of whom had learning, hearing, and speech disabilities. I taught special education one year, with a caseload of 23 students with varying disabilities and advocacy needs. My best friends son has severe learning disabilities and has, at various times, been homeless waiting for housing slots to open up, has received job coaching, and has struggled with identifying and his nutritional and health needs. He is a consumer disability rights advocate. This is important to me because it touches so many lives, including mine, and many people with disabilities are unable to advocate for themselves and need a voice in Augusta.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: I fought for better pay for direct care workers and for the expansion of Mainecare and the benefits it will bring.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: My very first experience with people with disabilities came when I was in High school. Our band made annual trips to play holiday concerts for people in institutions. That was a profound experience for me which set up my desire to advocate for our differently-challenged population. In the 1980’s I helped establish a chapter in Lewiston of the Maine Association of Handicapped Persons. A group designed to include people with disabilities advocating for themselves. As a parent of a child (now as an adult he is an educational technician serving students with learning challenges) with developmental disabilities. I supported his efforts to get the special services he needed to be successful in school. I also was a resource for other families navigating the special education system. While serving on the Lewiston School Committee for 18 years I made sure that the needs of our special education students were always front and center. I helped to establish an Autism Spectrum learning program for Lewiston Schools. Some years after that I became the uncle of a child on the spectrum.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: In my first term, we had a bill to phase out the subminimum wage for persons with disabilities. This proposal became very important to me as I started to research what other states were doing, including our neighbors in New Hampshire. While the bill was not successful, I am happy to report that there is only one employer left with a subminimum wage certificate. Now, we need to turn out focus to ensuring employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): Most of my work is limited to the disabled veteran community and the Jewish communities I've been a part of. What makes it important to me? My wife lives with the need for public accommodation for mobility.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: Worked as a sped ed teacher for nearly 40 years and most recently guided a blind man through the Maine Democratic Convention, helped conventioneers understand why the convention could not continue without a translator for the deaf people present, presently working to help an amputee living in federal housing to have a save emergency exit from an apartment with no back door.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: I have no record of accomplishments or history of advocacy beyond the occasional interference of bullying that I do not tolerate in my presence. Improving the lives of people with disabilities is a function of empathy...an ability I have that was reinforced in my childhood by my parents and some teachers.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Since I am not now nor ever been a public office holder I have no record on these issues. Of course I am concerned that Maine's disabled citizens are treated fairly.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: As a lawyer, in private practice and especially during my time as a volunteer attorney with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, I represented many clients in issues related to disability. These cases included employees denied medical leave and other accommodations, disabled employees who were not paid minimum wage, applicants who were not hired or were fired because of a disability. These cases also involved, at times, housing and education issues. Improving the lives of people with disabilities is an important issue for me because I've experienced, through my clients, the positive impact changes in the law can have on the lives of Maine's people who have disabilities. I became a lawyer the year before the ADA was enacted, and throughout my career have seen this body of law develop and improve.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: My cousin Kim Humphrey changed my life when she invited me to lunch to explain to me the story of her son and my cousin, Daniel, who has autism. I was thrilled to become involved with the community advocating on behalf of adults with intellectual disabilities or autism. I was a strong opponent of making the SIS a single high stakes test for example. I went on to work for the Maine Speech Language Hearing Association as well. Prior to that, I was head of the ACLU of Maine, and in that role collaborated with Disability Rights Maine on some issues standing up for the civil rights of people with disabilities.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: My son started college and is living in the dorm, having hired and trained six personal care attendants and advocating for the accommodations he needs on campus. It feels like the biggest win of my life. I tried to reword how parking violations are handled, but my bill got shot down. Also, when I got to the State House, I noticed that some of the accessible parking spaces were not ADA-compliant. It took several meetings, working my way up the chain, with my folder of printouts and satellite pictures, and being told " you don't know what you're talking about" to get them into compliance.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: You will see in recent budget negotiations and outcomes that I have advocated for increased funding for services critical to people with disabilities such as increasing wages for direct care workers, increasing reimbursement rates for medication management, and supporting increased access to treatment for substance use disorder.

5. What policies would you establish that address the employment issues and economic challenges that families and parents/guardians of disabled children and adults face (such as having to quit jobs to support family members)?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I've supported tax credits for caregivers and would support a new program to allow caregivers to register with the state to qualify for caregiver stipends to assist with the household finances of families in those situations.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: L fully support nad will propose legislation for paid family medical leave, home care (if it fails) an full implementation of medicaid expansion.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): I would support more job opportunities for those with disabilities and more homecare opportunities through better pay and training.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: I am open to hearing policy suggestions. I am eager to learn more.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: I support single-payer, universal health care. While we wait for that to happen, I favor an expansion of the SSI program or something similar to it for all people regardless of income or age.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: I think one of the lingering issues and I hear about this a lot is the issue of not knowing once you qualify for disability benefits that you can in fact still get a job for a certain number of hours per week. Persons with disabilities spend so much time trying to convince government agencies that they are unable to work in order to qualify for benefits that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that they do not seek work or fear losing benefits if they obtain employment. We have to figure out a way to better communicate that benefits are not at risk if employed. As far as caretakers are concerned, we need to get better at providing state resources that provide in-home care to relieve the caretaker from the immense responsibilities.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): One thing I've noticed is that often times, adult caregivers are overlooked when we craft means-testing for various social services. We need to ensure those with disabilities or taking care of those with disabilities aren't overlooked.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: This is a complex question. I will need to study existing law and hear testimony from people who walk in these shoes. I was alarmed to learn that with the cutbacks in public assistance, there is the possibility of entire families living off the SSI check ofoe disabled individual. He is among one of the more vulnerable groups of people in our society and thus, his situation bears careful scrutiny. It concerned me that this individual was somewhat hostage to the situation. He needed the care the family provided, but the money that was supposed to go to enrich the quality of his life, was (and this is subjective) enriching the quality of the family life while he appeared to be excluded from or was self-excluding from the family activities. I felt compelled to check with a case manager etc, but as I do not yet hold office, I have no official standing. I made notes for use later.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: This question is too complicated to answer in a survey. However, any policy (or law) must be balanced with an employer's ability to financially accommodate persons with disabilities, and if unemployed the Federal, State and local ability to financially support the financial needs of the disabled or family caring for the disabled. The example given "having to quit a job to support a family member" without knowing any additional factors is also extremely hard to consider answering in a survey, as it may be a good thing to do or a bad thing to do depending on the circumstances.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: I think expanding Medicaid access is a good start.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: I support paid family and medical leave. I am in favor of expanding the duration of family and medical leave under state law so that it is more similar to the FMLA. Perhaps this law could also include leave for education-related meetings necessitated by a child's disability.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: We need to reimburse caretakers. We need to restore longer respite care paid for by the state for caregivers. We need to seriously consider increasing reimbursement rates still further for services. We need to create stronger incentives for employment, and we need to strengthen the transportation system and restore transportation reliability, so that people with disabilities can get to a job or appointments without long delays or interruptions.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: I quit my job to care for my son, and I know many who have struggled terribly with the financial impacts of disability. Parents who have to stay home to care for their kids should be permitted to be paid to do that care. We need more flexibility in how we pay for home care.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: Increase workforce for direct care, increase public transit options. Advocate for flex-time and generous family leave policies.

6. How will you insure that the letter and spirit of laws like IDEA and ESSA are followed in a manner that decreases the segregation of students with disabilities and increases inclusion? Do you support approaches such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I'm not familiar with IDEA or UDL; but I oppose segregation and have personally appreciated and seen how Jude thrives in his classes with typically developing children.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: I can't speak to those specifically, I just don't know enough of the specifics. Generally, I like the idea of proficiency based education, measuring what students learn and not how they do on a test. I beleive the standards by which students are assesed needs to be based on relevant standards.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): Both IDEA and ESSA should be evaluated by the Education Department and in the school accreditation process. UDL is simply good teaching practice for all students.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: With the need for and cost of special education rising, we need to work on ways to integrate students based on their abilities, not focus on their disabilities. UDL (which sounds similar to mass customized learning) is definitely a tool. I weigh that with the current demands on teachers who must plan, instruct, monitor, track progress and revise these programs.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: The least restrictive environment standard should be universally applied with additional supports as needed. I support UDL
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: It is clear that we need to continue to ensure resources are available to schools. We have certainly improved support services and made strides to provide instruction tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. We cannot maintain these services and enhance them however if we continue to strain educational budget. I am honestly not familiar with UDL.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I do generally support UDL, though I am concerned that there's not enough research into effectiveness to sustain a state-level mandate yet. My wife taught in emotional support as well as inclusion classrooms; I recognize there is an incredible burden on educators here, and I think we all need to be as cognizant of the impact that has on our ability to recruit and retain teaching talent, as much as the impact on students.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: I was Portland's special education teacher of the year in the same year that my school was chosen as a blue ribbon school. I am a schoolboard member and a member of an advisory board for Region II CTE. Following/instituting these policies is like breathing, you don't stop.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: As a legislator, I will not be an "policeman" for any public policy, but I will give a strong voice in advocacy for any situation where laws or policies are not being followed. Also, if current laws or policies are shown to be unproductive I will move to improve them if I can. UDL is something I am unfamiliar with and leave to the "education experts" to evaluate and promote or move from. I believe that every human being can contribute in some way to our world, and it is a key role of our educational system to not get in the way of a child's potential for this.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: I am unfamiliar with the program you cite. I do however see the benefit of increased inclusion of disabled students in our schools.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: IDEA and ESSA are federal laws. I would appreciated being educated on the role of state legislatures in implementing them. And I need to learn more about UDL before answering this question.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: One of the important roles is ensuring that special education and services in schools are adequately funded at the state level, so that schools have the resources and no excuses not to adequately follow the spirit of laws like IDEA and ESSA. I would love to learn more about the universal design for learning.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: I'm not familiar with UDL. IDEA was instrumental for my family; it informed every decision the school made, and gave a clear blueprint for what they needed to do for my son. We should offer comprehensive training for parents of kids with disabilities, to help them learn about the medical, support services, and school systems that they will need to be able to navigate with their kids. It will have to be somewhat tailored - a child with autism will have very different needs than one with a physical disability or one who is medically fragile. Parents need caseworkers at DHHS who are less overloaded so they can actually help manage cases, so that parents have real support in understanding and accessing services for their kids, and they will know what schools are required to provide.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: I do not support "regional special education centers," as proposed in the LePage administration. I'm not very familiar with UDL but it seems like a good idea.

7. What is your position on school choice? Have you considered the ramifications of choice on students with disabilities?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I generally favor allowing families decide what's best for their child in terms of education; however, that does not mean public school funding follows that child to whatever school environment that family decides is best. I oppose policies that promote segregation of students with disabilities.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: I am agianst school choice. Especially in the rural communities of Maine, it will offer no choice. It will be a tax break for those that can already afford private schools at the expense of public schools.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): School choice has generally been a failure. It draws resources away from local public schools leaving less money to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Many "magnet" schools are underperforming their public school counterparts. Our resources should be spent making all public schools great.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: I have no problem with private schools as long as they receive no public monies. The ramifications of school choice on all students, including those with disabilities, would be extreemly negative.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Public education is in the best position to address the learning needs of student. I oppose school choice as the ramification a significant; among them, they have the potential of draining away needed resources.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Opposed.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I have mixed feelings on school choice. I'm not keen on vouchers, and for charters I think we need a robust accreditation rather than presenting a public funding boon for fly-by-night, for-profit operations. I am very supportive of magnet schools for their ability to focus on regionally, economically appropriate work skills. Truthfully, I am a firm believer that our public education system is worth most of our attention, and rather than nibble at the edges of it and trying to create counterproductive layers of regional or commercial competition, we shore it up. For students with disabilities, it's where nearly all of the funded and unfunded mandates exist--this is our template for providing students with disabilities the kind of education they deserve. In my legislative district, child poverty is so high, that much more so for students with disabilities, that the only correct course of action is to focus our efforts on our public schools.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: Not a fan of school choice, I believe in public school for everyone. When families choose to stay out of public education for whatever reason, I expect the state to assess and regulate their school program. I also expect the administration to make every effort to reach out through letters, visits, and flexible school programs to home schooled and private schooled individuals and their families. The door of a public school is always open and when private learning falls apart as it sometimes does, those individuals will be welcomed in.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: As a capitalist, I support the idea of competition driving achievement and/or success. This includes allowing for school choice. A one-size-fits-all public school system my dilute the ability of specialized teachers working with either children with disabilities or children with advanced capabilities. Schools for the blind, for the deaf and for those with intellectual disabilities for example often provide students a better solution than public schools can provide.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: I am a strong supporter of improving our public school systems for the bebefit of all students.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: My concerns about school choice apply to all students, including those with disabilities. I am concerned about taking resources away from public schools, separating students from their peers in the community, and lack of standards and oversight to ensure that any alternative to our public school system meets or improves the educational experience for the student and family.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: I support public education, and I'm concerned that some voucher programs for private schools create strains in rural communities. I do support voucher programs for public schools. Furthermore, I think that for students with disabilities, it makes sense to provide more flexibility and higher rates of reimbursement, so that students may attend schools where they are safe and able to learn in an inclusive environment.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: I think parents have the right to send their child to any school they choose to pay for.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: I think every student's needs should be met in the least restrictive environment and with his/her peers. School choice too often puts the onus on children and parents to leave their home district to find appropriate settings and services.

8. What is your position on Maine’s pending application for a Section 1115 Medicaid waiver, and what do you predict will be the likely impact on Mainers with disabilities and their families?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I have concerns that the waiver for medicaid work requirements will cause undo hardship to individuals and families in difficult situations. If approved, which the Federal government appears poised to do, a DHHS bureaucrat will be charged with deciding who gets an exemption from the work requirement and who does not. It's my belief that we need sufficient exemptions, enshrined by state statute, to protect people who care for those with disabilities, are disabled themselves, suffering trauma like domestic abuse, or have other conditions that would make working impossible and that would cause innocent people to lose life-saving health coverage.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: There should be no work requirements to medicaid. Healthcare is a right and we ultimately need to move towards universal helathcare.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): I am opposed to the waiver. I believe, along with impacting Mainers with disabilities and their families, it affects all of us when our community health and welfare is eroded.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: I have serious concerns about the waiver currently being considered. The request states the intent is "to preserve limited financial resources for the State’s most needy individuals". But I see only ways to shift costs to "abled bodies". I see no evidence that any other population would experience improved services as a result of the waiver.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: I support waivers as they allow greater flexibility for communities to address specific needs.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Opposed.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I am highly concerned about what the definition of "able-bodied adult" is with regards to the demonstration waiver. I also think what I mentioned earlier, that adult caregivers often get neglected when we speak of means-tests, manifests with the proposed asset test in the demonstration.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: I do not support Medicaid work requirements. Access to medical care, is important for family health and unity. Medicaid expansion is a must for Maine and for this region if we are to provide services to those living in poverty, with serious disabilities or substance abuse issues. Until such time as we have a better match in the county between skill of workers and jobs available we will need to help our neighbors. Until employers pay a living wage, we will need to supplement.

I knock on many doors in my campaign. The conversation usually starts. “ I’ve worked hard all my life...”. I want always to be able to help people understand the circumstances of poverty better than they do. I would also like people who are on the receiving end of benefits to have access to sensible and timely case management. Finally I would like all public assistance to carry incentives for an improved future for the family unit. Sleeping in, Tv soaps, cigarettes, jewelry and tattoos are the equivalent throwing gasoline on the fire for those who vote and who have indeed worked hard all their lives and take the perspective that the people in the house next door are “paid not to work. “

So while I do support work requirements, I believe that public relations must play a part. Much of the dissension is fear driven. There is not a great deal of daylight between those paying in to the system and those who receive and resentment runs deep. (Response updated on 10/16/2018)
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: As a federalist, I support the sharing of power between the federal and state governments. Maine is a unique state, and our rural and sparsely populated areas (as well as our unique economic structure) may present certain obstacles and specific needs that a waiver could address in some cases.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Candidate did not answer.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: I do not support adding work and other requirements to the Medicaid program. My concern is that these requirements interfere with the core purpose of Medicaid, which is intended to provide health care coverage.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: I opposed it in 2017 and still do. I'm deeply worried that it may lead to Mainers with disabilities losing vital Medicaid coverage.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: I am very concerned that even if consideration is given for a person with a visible disability, it's far too easy to create a system that is hostile to others who are in just as difficult circumstances - like caregivers, and those with serious emotional impairments. Work requirements make sense for people who truly have the ability to work, but in practice, the cost of the requirements will be borne by those who are already carrying a heavy enough burden.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: I'll be interested to see the outcome of the waiver request. While I believe everyone, regardless of ability, should have access to meaningful employment, I am concerned that work requirements could have the unintended consequence of denying benefits to folks who are not able to work.

9. President Trump has proposed increasing institutionalization for people with mental health disabilities as a solution to gun violence. Would you support this approach? Why or why not?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: Institutionalizing people with mental health disabilities has been tried in this country and it was deemed a failure. I do not see how going back to the times of locking people away for mental health reasons would be a good thing for society.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: We need to increase mental health accessiblity, but institutionalization is not the answer. So, no I do not support this approach. First, there is no evidence it will reduce gun violence, the only thing that has been proven to reduce gun violence is to put restrictions on guns.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): No. Statistically people with mental health disabilities are much more likely to be the target of violence than the perpetrators of violence. An increase in services, including medical care for those with mental illness would be a much better solution. Background checks for all gun purchases and waiting periods are two of the most important steps that must be taken to lessen gun violence.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: I think an increase in the types, affordability and availability of mental health services is needed. And that could have a positive effect on gun violence as well as other issues. I do not think increased institutionilazation is called for. I do think closing the known loopholes in backround checks is.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: I absolutely do not support this arcane and inhumane approach. Institutionalization is going back to the days of warehousing and it doesn’t address the issue on mounting gun violence. We need to increase access to mental health supports in a localized setting.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: We need better medical coverage and greater access to healthcare in this country, but we certainly do not need to institutionalize persons to address gun violence. Mental health is one aspect of this policy contemplation, but it should be more so a focus on the access to healthcare versus detaining people in mental health centers.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): It's a cheap and easy answer, as most popular solutions for gun violence are. We have federal case law that tells us--and I wholeheartedly agree--that even someone deemed mentally ill or disabled does not lose their constitutional protections. I believe it would be a grotesque miscarriage of justice to start upping the adjudication of involuntary commitments. As a Jew married into a family of Holocaust survivors, it feels terrifically familiar, as well. We live in a new century -- it's time to start applying an educated and non-histrionic approach to mental health and mental disabilities, as befits our status as a developed nation.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: Again, a very complex question. Here is a partial ans. I am most concerned about the lack of security within familes of guns and ammo. I think there should be a media campaign to educate all about these matters That was once the role of the NRA and no longer is although they do have a good gun safety program for young hunters. As relates to those with mental health disabilities in ME HD 145, there are very few mental health services with sufficient knowledge/relationship of individuals to make determinations about guns/no guns. We teleconference psychiatry up here, and an individual would have to scream for help to get on a waiting list for a psychiatric bed. In a perfect world, the application of mental health supports would be equal across populations, but here, everytime there is relationship established, the patient gets a letter saying your doctor is leaving, meet your new doctor! This is a very positive gun culture up here--lots of guns, very little gun crime. However, the role of guns in domestic violence, child endangerment, animal cruelty, and endangered law enforcement personnel is a factor for those few individuals and households who seek relief, and can't get help under existing law.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: While some may have suggested this, I would agree only to the extent that specifically a person with a mental health disability with a documented agenda which includes hurting other people in society should receive extended psychiatric institutionalization vs. prison. I do not believe that Trump or any other thinking person would suggest it is any kind of general solution. That unfortunately is political spin. Gun violence occurs every day in certain urban areas in our country, and an effort to reduce the problem should focus on these populations...where I do not believe that mental health disability is a significant contributor.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: That approach takes a very simplistic view of gun violence and unfairly lays the blame on a population of citizens who do not deserve it.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: I do not support this approach. A decision based on a person's status as an individual with a mental health disability, rather than facts related to that individual's heath condition, violates federal law. The proposal is not based on evidence related to gun violence. There are more effective ways to reduce gun violence that do not single out people with disabilities. And the proposal is fundamentally unfair.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: No. I support community based supports for mental health. Institutionalization is the wrong approach.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: There are people who need institutional or other residential care because of mental health issues, and we are falling short of that need. We also need to provide support for people with mental illnesses who are able to live independently with proper care. I'm not sure that providing proper care for people with mental illnesses will reduce gun violence, but I think we should try it anyway.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: I do not support this approach. We need to decrease the number and availability of firearms in our society, not sequester people with mental illness away from society. This would be an enormous step backward.

Questions of Gubernatorial Candidates and Candidates for State Offices:
This series of questions is most suited to the above office seekers, but input from all candidates is welcome.
1. How do you plan to address the recently uncovered crisis in community-based housing for people with disabilities?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: Reduced or stagnant state reimbursement rates for these services are making it hard for current providers to stay in business and discourage other providers from opening new facilities. I support raising rates.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): Years long waiting lists for community based housing is simply not acceptable. We need to work with the state budget and federal funding sources to meet the needs for housing this session.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): There are a number of questions we'll need to ask. What can the state afford to do? What communities are equal to the burden in terms of resources (transportation, services, vocational)? I hate answering questions with questions; I want to find a solution in the next legislative session, or at least start building towards something for Maine. In the meantime, we can lead from the front as legislators - open our homes as citizens to people on lengthy waiting lists. Voluntary resources can be a stopgap measure for what will inevitably be a long-time in coming. The best I can give is my commitment that I recognize its an issue worth fighting for in the next legislature.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: See previous answer. Landlords and management companies are in a special niche of the housing industry and must consider the safety and wellbeing of their tenants. Subsidized housing means they are guaranteed payment when other types of housing landlords are on their own. I have toured 4 of these complexes in ME HD 145. It's difficult to believe that this housing meets the standard. Most are inadequately set up for fire escape, and the combination of hoarding, smoking, lack of back exits, physical and mental disabilities, is in my opinion, a crisis in the making. We are looking for more options for the elderly and disabled to age in place, but lack the workforce to meet AIP plans. Nursing home beds for the mentally challenged and the psychiatrically impaired, are being "disappeared" as nursing homes close and bed rights are bought and sold commodities. This benefits no one. At present my area is 75 miles between beds, no beds available and very long waits for beds to become available.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Maine has done better in the past with these issues. A new administration dedicated to helping rather than cutting benefits could restore that previous state.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: We need to completely overhaul leadership at DHHS. The legislature should hold public hearings, and we should reinstate positions that were cut under the previous administration.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: I had thought it be a crisis for years. A multi-faceted approach, developed mostly by people with disabilities, should be the ground floor of the plan.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: Do you mean a shortage of units or the un-investigated deaths of 100+ people living in group homes?

2. How do you plan to improve DHHS oversight and accountability for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in light of the 2017 OIG report?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: We need an administration that will work with legislative oversight committees; not one that has to be subpoenaed to share information or that regularly violates the public right-to-know laws.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): We need both more staff and better staff training.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): My answer would depend on what committee(s) I land on. I think these last few years have really exposed that we have some work to do with DHHS, and the legislature needs to exercise significant oversight. I take to the legislature this year a story about my synagogue in Bangor: our rabbi officiated and we provided a cemetery plot for that woman who famously was the elderly victim of grifters, who abandoned her here in a Maine motel, for her to end up in the care of our state. We're never going to provide comprehensive oversight, but we need to constantly be improving our capabilities with DHHS.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: We could start by changing the governor. He has locked down that department so that it does not serve the people it is tasked with serving. When a government department does not serve the people, what purpose does it serve? It concerns me that Moody has promised to be a carbon copy of LePage.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: See my answer above
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: We need new leadership at DHHS and legislative hearings. I'd like to see a special legislative taskforce to hold hearings and hear recommendations from the community that is affected.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Laws need to be revamped to address the loopholes that DHHS has used to avoid fully meeting its intended mandate, not just for a select group of adults but for all people under the DHHS services umbrella.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: We truly need a "reset" with the next administration. I'm actually worried about what else will be revealed after LePage leaves office.

3. How will you increase access to crisis beds in Maine? Do you see front-loading support services as a way to reduce the need for crisis care, hospitalization/institutionalization, and incarceration?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: Stagnant or reduced state reimbursement rates are, in my opinion, the biggest cause of shortages for all kinds of services. This is the big one we have to tackle.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): Prevention is always the best option. There is an obvious need for more support services, a greater need for access to good medical care.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): Front-loading support services may be useful. I think we also need to shore up transitional housing on the other side this, so we can reduce the length of a stay.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: of course, front loading services is always cheaper than waiting for the crisis. I do see the horrible irony of deinstitutionalization amounting to death sentences from drug overdose, freezing to death, and any number of dangers that befall this most vulnerable population. I particularly fear for homeless women and incarcerated women. I would like to see stronger entrypoints to housing and medication, Children in Need of Supervision and Adults in need of supervision. I believe these programs could stabilize the family unit and allow for a continuum of services, options for institutions, and removal of adjustment of crisis triggers from households. Each untreated individual affects on average 7 other people, some of whom are children. These kinds of scenarios, can be traumatic and can perpetuate illness which becomes familial and generational.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Candidate did not answer.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: We need to strength community-based supports. That's the best way to reduce crisis care, hospitalization, institutionalization or incarceration.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Candidate did not answer.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: We need first to provide the services that prevent/avoid crises! Then we need to adequately fund and staff crisis beds and services to the extent necessary.

4. How do you plan to address the ever-growing wait-lists for Medicaid waiver and employment services in Maine?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I'm not familiar with the wait lists for employment services issue.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): I am sorry I do not know what is meant by wait-lists for Medicaid waiver. For employment services, we need to increase pay and training for job coaches, as well as, incentives for employers.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I wasn't aware there was a growing wait list. Not being dismissive, but this is a matter that if someone has the time to fill me in on, I'd love to know.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: This requires replacement of missing 20-50 year old demographic in our area. We educate and lose our motivated youth. We need jobs, broadband, CTE training and other initiatives to help our young people stay and work here. Small niche businesses will be the key to retention. Health and social service workers do specialized work and need a living wage. One would hope that with better training, supports, and respite options, more disabled people could live within family units.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Candidate did not answer.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: We need to fully fund the wait lists. This is a question of leadership at DHHS and support in the next budget.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Candidate did not answer.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: We increased funding for services under DHHS in this last budget. See Chaptered 460 of Public Law (LD925). This measure should help move people off of waiting lists and into Section 21services.

5. Do you have a plan to address direct care workforce shortages? Do you support immigration as one solution? Do you support wage increases?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: Student debt forgiveness is one way to attract young workers that I've been working on. Supporting immigration is another.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): Yes, yes, and yes.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I do support immigration as a partial solution. I am on the board of the Maine Multicutural Center of Bangor, a 501c3 with the mission of helping new Mainers acclimate, partly by working with our local businesses, including healthcare, recognize the value of immigrants in our workforce. Another thing to consider is how Question 1, though well-intentioned, will hurt the cause more than help. At the bottom end of the surcharged income range is a great many people who work in direct care or health care. This is tantamount to at least a $5000 new tax on income levels that we absolutely need to attract to Maine. There are better ways to address care issues without scaring off potential workforce for Maine's healthcare system across the board.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: Immigration is a solution, marketing our beautiful state to eco-refugees is another, providing parenting training and basic psychology classes as part of Middle and HS curriculum is also part of the solution. As relates to immigration, NA, and anyone with brown skin, Maine has failed abysmally to be welcoming. The current crowd in DC is reinforcing all the stereotypes and making it more difficult for immigrants to want to come here. When people come to this region, they encounter the first long cold winter and low wages, and they may not be able to make the adjustment.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: I do believe that wage increases are an appropriate way to encourage the more people to consider these jobs. I do not see increasing immigration as a way to address the issue at this time.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: I support wage increases for DSPs and fought for this in the last legislature. I support legal immigration.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: I support both legal immigration and wage increases. I also think that the way that people with disabilities access direct-care services needs to be more flexible.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: We increased reimbursement rates in both recently-enacted biennial budget and supplemental budget. Increasing immigration could help with this sector, but we have limited authority in this arena at the state level. I have supported wage increases in recent years.

6. What solutions can you offer regarding Maine’s current children’s behavioral health crisis?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: Reversing LePage administration rate cuts to providers would be the best thing we can do to start to address the shortage of services.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): Decentralized community based services that support families and children would be the best solution. We will need to have a program in place to attract more professionals to the state of Maine to fulfill the personnel needs of these centers.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I think it would be helpful if these questions defined or quantified "crisis." What is the exigent need, and what are the metrics behind them?
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: healthy food, food security, more food at school, campaign to talk about the role of adequate and quality sleep in a young child's life, age three to grade 3 schools as a single stop for childcare so families can work and children can learn. Extended school hours and days for child care when school is not in session and jobcore approach to daycare for very young children where training and supervision of adult workforce co-exist. Basic pay with steps for longevity within the work force so workers gain rather than lose benefits for remaining on the job over time.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Candidate did not answer.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: We need to strengthen and restore Section 13 and Section 17 eligibility. We need to fund mental health workers and school based health centers in schools.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Candidate did not answer.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: We need to increase early screening and interventions for children. I am the lead sponsor on LD1365, a bill that sets up early childhood mental health consultation programs that would be available to professionals and parents. It didn't survive a veto in the 128th, but I've re-submitted already for the 129th.

7. How would you address the transportation issues that affect disabled Mainers and their families as they attempt to travel to and from work and medical appointments?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I've worked with the ride contractors to resolve issues locally; their contract will be up for bid soon and my hope is there will be competition for this contract so we can find the best possible services, not just the cheapest possible services.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): More public transportation. The current system is failing with rides never showing up either to or from appointments. We had a system that was reliable and exchanged it for one that is not. Rides are particularly difficult here in western Maine.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): One answer that has worked across the nation is building networks of volunteers, incorporating ride-share services, in addition to looking to municipalities to lead from the front.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: This is a very big deal. Just talked to the 75 year old grandmother of a disabled 14 year old social recluse, who struggles to get him to services in Bangor from their home in Millinocket. Winter is coming and she knows that her driving skills are not a match for icy conditions. She knows that he will backslide if he does not get to his appointments. I asked her to call the MRH to see what options there are for regional transportation. This is one case. We have elderly, young women requiring obstetrics, and disabled veterans trying to navigate these distances for services.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: I don't know what the solution is but I certainly am aware of the problem.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: The outsourcing of transportation coordination to a huge out-of-state conglomerate has been an enormous failure. We need to put transportation back in the hands of local providers and fully fund it.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Roll back the changes that have been made to that system over the past few years.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: As a town councilor in Falmouth, I always supported our membership in the Metro Bus system. I am pleased that the bus now goes north on Route One all the way from Portland to Freeport and back. We need to promote public transit for many reasons, not just for folks with disabilities.

8. Do you support Medicaid expansion? Why or why not? If yes, what do you see as a viable path to implementation? Are you aware of potential benefits to people with disabling conditions and their families?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I do. It makes fiscal and moral sense.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): Yes.We have turned away billions of dollars that could have been used to help Maine people who are struggling. In order for this to happen we need a majority in the house and senate and a governor who cares.Vote your heart in Nov.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I break with many of my Republican peers on this in saying yes, I support the Medicaid expansion. I am concerned that, like other temporary federal monies, the expectation will be that the legislature replace that funding as federal expansion money drops off, but we are presently already losing money for other programs by NOT accepting the expansion. It buys us time, and it is indeed time we could use.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: do I always did, but the closing of Mountain Heights redoubled my determination to bring more fed dollars into the county. A recent editorial states my concern with medical debt in the county.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Yes.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Yes, I support Medicaid expansion. Expansion will provide health care to over 70,000 adult Mainers, and will indirectly lead to the coverage of over 10,000 children who are already eligible but not receiving benefits. Expansion is also important to Maine's economy. Right now, the federal tax dollars Mainers pay go to other states to fund their Medicaid programs — with expansion, Maine will see over $500 million in federal funding, and benefit from the creation of over 5,000 jobs in hospitals and health care. It will keep our rural hospitals and health care centers alive. It’s one of the best things we can do to care for Mainers, especially people with disabilities and their families.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: Yes because it will increase access to healthcare for 70,000 Mainers including Mainers with disabilities and it will alleviate healthcare costs for all of us by increasing the pool of covered people and increasing payment to rural hospitals and providers who are struggling. It's both a human rights and an economic issue.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Yes. It's necessary for several reasons, starting with it being the law. If "path to implementation" means funding, I think the governor should have used the appropriation we gave him instead of vetoing it. I am very much aware of the benefits for these families.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: Yes. I co-authored the bill that met the governor's subjective criteria. And he vetoed it. I will continue to support Medicaid expansion.

9. Do you see Medicaid expansion as a potential solution to providing healthcare to the more than one million Americans who wait an average of 2 years to qualify for SSDI? Why or why not?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: In a big picture way, I support universal coverage for all people, done on either a multi-state or national basis.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): Yes.Universal health care should be our goal.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): No. States at some point have to find room in their budget to carry the costs over time. For a state like Maine, we're looking at at least an additional $125 million we have to budget for a year. I view this as a holding action to mitigate the aggregate expense *right now*, not as any kind of long-term solution.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: yes. But then I would talk to our new governor and to rep Jared Golden on November 7 or shortly thereafter about why there should be a two year wait for SSDI.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Medicaid expansion is a start but the real solution lies in a medicare for all system on the national level.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: Yes. It's one piece in the puzzle.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Candidate did not answer.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: Yes.

10. Do you have a plan to strengthen Early Intervention services (screening, detection, diagnosis, and treatment) for Maine’s birth-2 year olds?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I'm not familiar enough with this issue to give a good answer.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): I do not have my own plan, but early intervention saves money and heartache.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): I do not.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: I actually thought that part was going well. I would have to learn more. I do know that a missing piece is the public nurse network which has been deconstructed by the present administration.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: Candidate did not answer.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: Yes. It will save the state money, and it's the right thing to do.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Candidate did not answer.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: See answer above.

11. How do you plan to support children/public schools/local property taxpayers if special education services for 3-5-year-olds are transferred from CDS to school districts? How would you ease the transition, ensure equity across districts, and prevent preschool services from being provided in segregated settings (e.g. in special education classrooms rather than more inclusive environments)? Do you have an alternate plan for ensuring that Maine’s small children receive adequate services and supports?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: I do not support transferring these services from CDS.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): I am concerned that adequate funds have not been provided or will not be provided to schools- which are often already under financial stress- to adequately provide for these programs.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): This is an expensive undertaking. Many of our districts may not be able to afford this without eating into mainstream education budgets. Inclusion, done right, I believe can help mitigate costs, especially in terms of capital expenses, if not in labor like TSSs or educators. It's a balance. I do not have an alternative plan.
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: This is a bigger deal than most stakeholders understand. Will the state be paying for the upgrades in the infrastructure and transportation in order to carry this out? Will there be a cohort for 3 year olds? Will there be a peer group? What is the least restrictive placement for a 3 yr old? All of these issues can be worked through, but they cannot be ignored. We cannot simply ask our schools to take this on without careful examination of existing plants and programs and staffing patterns in context of the special needs of young children.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: I think schools are not necessarily the appropriate place for that age group and would be more effectively addressed outside the school setting.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: I don't agree with this transfer. If it does happen, we need to ensure that the funding comes from the state rather than the property taxpayers at the municipal level. I think we need to rebuild CDS.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Moving CDS into schools could be beneficial if it is properly funded at the State level. The staff that have been running the program should transition into the school system, to bring their expertise and provide continuity.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: That's a puzzle I have not solved in my own mind at this point. We'll need to work with local districts, special educators, parents, etc. to develop an acceptable way forward.

12. What is your position on improving the transition process between school and adulthood for people with disabilities?

Nate Libby, re-election to Maine Senate Dist. 21: The transition is more of a cliff. I believe rate cuts over the years have made it impossible for providers to go beyond providing the minimum level of services for clients; rate increases could help address the shortage of post high school services for young adults with challenges.
Charles Galemmo, House District 5: Candidate did not answer.
Anne-Marie Mastraccio, State Representative (House District 18): Candidate did not answer.
Jan Collins (Senate District 17): I have seen this process fail on numerous occasions. Overburdened school special education staff often fail to spend adequate time on transition plans. Appointing a separate staff member whose sole duty is transition plans would be much more likely to put in place appropriate plans. This should be mandated. The service providers should also have designated liaisons with schools.
Bettyann Sheats, House of Representatives, District 64: Candidate did not answer.
James R Handy Maine House District 58, Part of Lewiston: Candidate did not answer.
Ryan M. Fecteau for Maine House District 11: Candidate did not answer.
Brian P. Kresge (Senate District 98): N/A
Laura Farnsworth for Maine House District 145: We could certainly have more regional job coaches. And I am told that sheltered workshops are a thing of the past? I have seen such good ones. I would hope that they still exist in some form. The rewards are great.
Bill Weidner, Maine House District 52: Candidate did not answer.
Doug Bunker, Maine House District 137: The best programs do I believe provide for such transition services. That should be a standard for all people involved.
Anne Carney, Maine House District 30: Candidate did not answer.
Shenna Bellows, Maine Senate District 14: The state should provide stronger supports to coordinate the transition. We should automatically expand Medicaid eligibility to this population.
Tina Riley, Maine House District 74: Again, DHHS caseworkers should be less overloaded so that they can help guide families through the transition. Parents need earlier, ongoing information and support to ensure that students are well-prepared for transitioning to adulthood.
Cathy Breen, Maine Senate District 25: Nowhere to go but up!

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Maine Disability Campaign Questionnaire: ​Candidates for the State Legislature

Maine Disability Campaign Questionnaire:
Candidates for the State Legislature