March 9, 2026
Minutes
Minutes
Attendees via Zoom: Bonnie-Jean Brooks, Amanda Parker Anne Walp, Bridget McCabe, Carol Snyder, Darryl Wood, Dawn Cedrone, Debbie Dionne, Jamie Whitehouse, Janet Dibiase, J Richardson Collins, Jena Jones, Julianne Zaharis, Kelly Skillings, Kerri Pitts, Kim Humphrey, Kyra Walker, Libby Stone-Sterling, Liz Burgess, Lorraine DeFreitas, Maggie Hoffman, Margaret Cardoza, Paula Bush, Rachel Dyer, Sammy-Ellie MacKinnon, Sara Fleurant, Shelley Zielinski, Stacy Lamontagne, Vickey Merrill, and possibly a few people who joined after the meeting began and left prior to the conclusion of the meeting.
Bonnie Jean Brooks introduced herself and welcomed the group. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted.
Bonnie-Jean Brooks shared the following update and thanked Cullen for his leadership over the years:
As reported at the last meeting, we looked at the ways in which we can continue to build on the good work of this Coalition, including looking to other agencies for their leadership and expertise. After reflecting on this, we are proposing that the Coalition transition to a new organizational home at 3 Rivers, where Cullen will soon be starting a new role. The intention behind this transition is to ensure the Coalition’s work continues with the organizational support and structure it needs moving forward. We’re confident the Coalition will remain in strong hands and that the important work you all do together will continue to grow and evolve.
There was a motion and second to approve transitioning the Coalition to 3 Rivers. After positive discussion regarding the great work of the Coalition and how valuable this space is, all were in favor.
Vickey Merrill: I want to acknowledge that given this change, this meeting will be my last. It’s hard to fully capture what this work and this community have meant to me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many dedicated advocates, providers, and partners who care deeply about improving housing and services for people across Maine. Together, this group has navigated policy changes, challenges in the housing and service systems, and moments that required a lot of persistence and collaboration. Through it all, the commitment in this room has always been clear, and it’s been an honor to be part of that work. I want to sincerely thank each of you for your partnership, your thoughtfulness, and your willingness to show up again and again to move this work forward. I’m incredibly proud of what this Coalition has accomplished and grateful for the relationships that have grown out of it. While change is always a little bittersweet, I’m very confident that the Coalition will continue to thrive and make an impact. Thank you all for the work you do every day and for allowing me to be part of it for so many years. It truly has meant the world to me, and I will cherish it for years to come.
Featured Speaker: Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association of Community Service Providers (MACSP). meacsp.org Topic: An overview of legislation in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.
Bonnie: I am pleased to welcome Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association of Community Service Providers (MACSP). Laura will provide an overview of legislation in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature, including bills to watch, what to expect, and the ways people can advocate for positive change. Thank you for being here, Laura!
Laura: Thank you for having me! The Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) is an association of around 100 organizations that provide supports and services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Autism, and Brain Injuries in Maine. I want to introduce Jena Jones, our very first Policy and Advocacy Manager, who recently joined our staff!
As this group knows we are in the Second Session, or the “short session”, which started on 1/7/26, and the statutory adjournment date (the 3rd Wednesday of April) is scheduled for 4/15/26. Cloture occurred September 26, 2025. Only bills deemed to be “emergency bills” and bills put forth by the Governor could be considered, along with bills that were carried over from the previous session. The Legislative Council met to determine what bills will move forward and be considered in the Second Session.
Begin Presentation.
Laura provided a thorough review of the MCHQS 132nd Maine Legislature Resource Document, going through the list of bills and their statuses, along with the Governor’s Supplemental Budget. Please see the Google Document for this information.
Laura: The MCHQS 132nd Maine Legislature Resource Document, is a Google Document that MASCP created and includes budget, bill, and committee information.
As this group knows, there are a whole host of bills that either didn’t move through the House and Senate for votes for enactment or didn’t get funded off the Table. The vast majority of these bills were carried over into the next Legislative Session. And there are some bills that were enacted and sent to the Governor, but since the Legislature adjourned Sine Die, they were held by the Governor and became law when the Legislature convened in January. New and carried-over bills have started to move through the process, with Committees holding numerous public hearings and work sessions.
Supplemental Budget: The Governor also released her Supplemental Budget, which can be found on the Budget page (with information linked below as well as on the Google Doc).
Governor's Recommended General Fund Supplemental Budget 2026-2027:
The Supplemental Budget is essentially changes to the two-year budget that was passed last session (see the Google Doc for what’s included from the Governor for the ID/DD and brain injury community, that Laura reviewed in detail).
The Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA) Committee has already had its public hearings. The Health & Human Services Committee reported out their relevant initiatives – which supported all of the ID/DD initiatives. AFA has yet to make decisions, though that work has started.
Now that public hearings have been held, you can reach out to your Senators and Representatives to advocate for funding included in the Supplemental Budget, or to express disappointment about things not included.
-A self-advocate stated that this is extremely effective. She asked about the MDSOAB funding included in the Supplemental Budget, specifically the Program Manager position.
Bonnie: This would be a new full-time position that would have to do with contract renewals, minute-taking, working with the Governor’s Office on appointments, and other administrative work.
Bills of Interest:
Laura: I’ll now review the bills of interest. There are six (6) new bills that I’ve flagged that I believe would be of interest to this group, along with numerous carry-over bills. (Laura thoroughly reviewed the all of the Bills of Interest listed in the Google Doc.)
New Bills:
LD 2021: Current law requires that reports to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults must be made by telephone. This bill adds the option of reporting by an online portal to align state law with federal regulations promulgated in June 2024 that require states to allow at least 2 methods of reporting, one of which must be online. Voted OTP out of HHS Committee.
LD 2117: This resolve amends rules in Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 21, Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder pertaining to filling residential vacancies in a 2-person home. Work Session on 3/11 at 10am in HHS Committee.
LD 2177: While this bill makes some technical changes to the MaineCare rate setting system which was codified in 2022, it also makes all rate determinations and COLAs subject to available appropriations. Work Session on 3/12 at 1pm in HHS Committee.
LD 2114: This bill expands the definition of "public preschool program" to include a program that provides instruction to children who are 3 years of age. The bill provides that, in addition to allowing start-up funds for the operation of public preschools for children who are 4 years of age, the State, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, may provide start-up funding for the allowable costs to operate public preschool programs for children who are both 3 years of age and identified as a child with a disability. The bill specifies that public preschool students who are 3 years of age and have not been identified as a child with a disability are not subsidizable pupils for the purposes of state subsidy calculations under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, chapter 606-B. Under the bill, a child who is 3 years of age on October 15th and does not have an identified disability may still attend a public preschool program that offers instruction to children who are 3 years of age. Under the bill, a person who is at least 3 years of age and is identified as a child with a disability may enroll in an available public preschool program at any time prior to enrolling in kindergarten. Voted OTP out of EDU Committee.
LD 2020: This bill updates various provisions of law that require the Department of Education to make annual reports to the Legislature. The bill changes the reporting dates of several required annual reports. It also changes the type of information the department must include in:
LD 2106: This bill prohibits a person acting on behalf of a public school, state postsecondary educational institution, health care facility, child care facility, family child care provider or public library from providing voluntary consent permitting a law enforcement officer engaged in immigration enforcement or supporting immigration enforcement to enter a nonpublic area of a public school, state postsecondary educational institution, health care facility, child care facility, home of a family child care provider or public library or access, review or obtain student, patient or library records. The bill also requires the Attorney General to publish, by January 1, 2027, model policies and guidance for public schools, state postsecondary educational institutions, health care facilities, childcare facilities, family childcare providers and public libraries related to limiting voluntary assistance with immigration enforcement activity to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and state law. Public schools, state postsecondary educational institutions, health care facilities, childcare facilities, family childcare providers and public libraries must adopt the published policies and guidance or establish equivalent policies and guidance within 6-18 months of the Attorney General's publishing of the model policies and guidance. Voted OTP-AM out of Judiciary Committee.
Carry-over bill of note:
LD 1932: Bill was amended to strike increase from 125 - 140% of minimum wage and instead establish a 3.07% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to increase reimbursement for direct care workers. It will also require that Maine Health Data Organization and the Department of Health and Human Services report on the “care gap” in Maine - the difference between the home and community-based services individuals are authorized to receive and the services they actually received. Unanimous bipartisan support from the HHS Committee last week. Voted OTP-AM out of HHS Committee, but awaiting final bill language before going to the House.
Discussion:
-There was discussion regarding the carry-over dental bill (LD 2123). Laura will bring information back to this group regarding where that bill stands.
Laura: It is also worth noting that we have elections coming up, including elections for the Legislature, Governor, and Congress. With primaries occurring in June. Attending candidate forums, town halls, and other stakeholder meetings are great ways to communicate the needs of people with disabilities in Maine.
-There was discussion regarding proposed rules for Section 13 and Section 28, that are out of public comment with comments due Friday, 3/13.
-There was discussion regarding fraud prevention and response. It was stated that service provider agencies providing services to folks are very mission-focused and working in a very complex system. It was stated that the vast majority of providers are very dedicated to the integrity of the system.
Bonnie: Thank you for being here Laura, for keeping us all informed, and for all of you work at the Legislature, well done!
End Presentation (round of applause would have occurred were it not for everyone being muted and on Zoom)
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Derek Fales, Associate Director, could not attend today’s meeting, but the following are pertinent updates from OADS:
MaineCare Notice of Agency Waiver Amendments -Section 21 & 29: The Department has released waiver amendments for Section 21 and Section 29. Comments are due March 29th. Click here for more information on each waiver amendment and how to submit comments.
DHHS-OADS: Follow Up to OADS Lifespan Waiver – FAQ Notice: Thank you to all who attended the OADS “Lifespan Overview” Zoom webinar on 1/21/26 and/or the “SIS-A and Levels” webinar on 1/23/2026. The videos and presentations can be found on the HCBS Lifespan Project web page. We are pleased to announce that the Lifespan FAQ document we have been working to finalize is complete and ready for your review. You will also find it on the HCBS Lifespan Project web page (see link above) in the Lifespan Resources section of the page.
SIS-A Assessments Ramp Up in March 2026 For MaineCare Section 21 and Section 29 Members: At first, OADS will focus on participants in provider agency homes. Beginning in February Maximus schedulers began calling provider agencies to set up a Supports Intensity Scale - Adult (SIS-A) Assessment. If needed, Maximus may also contact the member and/or guardian to confirm a date and time.
What is the SIS-A? The SIS-A is not a test. It is a guided conversation about the support you need to be safe, healthy, and successful in daily life. Most interviews take about 2-3 hours (breaks are OK). You can have people who know you well join you (guardian/family, case manager, staff). They need to have known you for more than three months.
Why are we doing this? The Department is using the SIS-A for all individuals on Sections 21 and 29, as well as Lifespan. The SIS-A provides additional information to support the person-centered planning process. Also, Maine is using the SIS-A so providers can be paid based on the level of assessed support needs across several services for the people they support. For those with higher needs, the provider can receive a higher reimbursement. Taking an assessment now can prevent later backlogs of assessments. It is important that you schedule an assessment with Maximus.
How to get ready (simple tips):
As part of this work, we held SIS-A information sessions outlining the need for the SIS-A and how scheduling and the assessment will work. All sessions were recorded and the slide deck and video will be available on the SIS-A Implementation Project web page. We appreciate your involvement with Lifespan. The input we receive from you will help to improve the program.
Follow Up to OADS Lifespan Waiver Presentations – Home and Community Based Supports (HCBS) Sections 18, 20, 21, 29, and New Lifespan Waiver: Comment Summary with Department Response and Final Draft Rate Models: The final draft rate models for Sections 18, 20, 21, 29, the new Lifespan Waiver, and a summary of all comments resulting from the public forum from April 14, 2025, is available on the MaineCare Rate System Reform webpage, along with all related notices and presented materials to date. The comment summary includes the Department’s written responses, with an explanation of whether and how feedback was incorporated into the final draft rates. We thank all those who contributed. For questions and comments on the rate determination process, or suggestions for the next Annual Rate Determination Schedule, please submit comments to [email protected]. Learn more about this process on the Rate System Reform webpage. Click here for more information, including background info.
Housing Update: OADS is currently accepting applications for Housing Support Funds. Each year funds are available to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism in covering their housing costs. Individuals can apply for a one-time lump-sum payment to help with rent, security deposits, or utility costs. Housing Support Funds can support individuals residing in an apartment they rent, home they own, or group home setting. Eligible applicants for this program are individuals receiving service through the Section 21 Comprehensive Waiver and the Section 29 Support Waiver. For more information on Housing Support Funds please visit our Housing Services webpage. To apply, please complete the linked Housing Support Funds Application and submit it to [email protected].
DHHS – Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/support-services/childrens-behavioral-health - No Update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr
Libby Stone-Sterling provided the following updates via email as she was driving during the meeting: Vocational Rehabilitation will be running a college prep program this summer for young people with Autism at a Thomas College. Reach out to your local VR office for more information! We are also going to be rehiring for our Pathways Youth Specialist position. This is a great opportunity for someone to work on our Pathways to Partnerships P2P grant to support cross agency work on behalf of children with disabilities.
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No Update
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) - No Update
Federal & Housing Updates:
Federal Budget Update of Note: On 2/3 the final minibus spending package that includes THUD funding to fund most of the government for FY 26 was passed, while carving out a temporary extension for DHS funding. The bill provides an approximately $7.3 billion increase over the previous fiscal year, bringing HUD programs to $77.3 billion, plus an additional $6.9 billion in offsetting receipts. the THUD bill provides:
We are closely following everything going on at the federal level which would affect housing, services, and other resources for people with ID/DD. When things arise, we will be sure to make you aware through regular updates and action alerts.
Previous updates that we’re still following:
Medicaid cuts remain a large threat, specifically as enacted in the Budget Reconciliation Bill (HR 1, One Big Beautiful Act) (see below for more information). The entire Maine Delegation attempted to thwart efforts to include cuts to Medicaid in this reconciliation bill by voting against it. The cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will take effect in the fall of 2026, right around the Mid-Term Elections.
Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act): On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 into law. The legislation reduces more than $1 trillion in funding for key safety-net programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Despite these deep cuts, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill will increase the federal deficit by more than $3.9 trillion over the next decade.
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Executive Orders: No new updates. Previous update:
President Trump initiated a series of Executive Orders (EOs) which, if implemented/upheld by the courts, could make it more difficult for everyone to access to an affordable, accessible home. Per NLIHC, the new Administration’s first actions include:
Federal Bills: No new updates. Previous updates:
State Legislature Update: No additional updates.
Other Business:
Next Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Featured Speaker and Topic TBD.
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation.
If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected] (after 4/1/26).
Bonnie Jean Brooks introduced herself and welcomed the group. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted.
Bonnie-Jean Brooks shared the following update and thanked Cullen for his leadership over the years:
As reported at the last meeting, we looked at the ways in which we can continue to build on the good work of this Coalition, including looking to other agencies for their leadership and expertise. After reflecting on this, we are proposing that the Coalition transition to a new organizational home at 3 Rivers, where Cullen will soon be starting a new role. The intention behind this transition is to ensure the Coalition’s work continues with the organizational support and structure it needs moving forward. We’re confident the Coalition will remain in strong hands and that the important work you all do together will continue to grow and evolve.
There was a motion and second to approve transitioning the Coalition to 3 Rivers. After positive discussion regarding the great work of the Coalition and how valuable this space is, all were in favor.
Vickey Merrill: I want to acknowledge that given this change, this meeting will be my last. It’s hard to fully capture what this work and this community have meant to me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many dedicated advocates, providers, and partners who care deeply about improving housing and services for people across Maine. Together, this group has navigated policy changes, challenges in the housing and service systems, and moments that required a lot of persistence and collaboration. Through it all, the commitment in this room has always been clear, and it’s been an honor to be part of that work. I want to sincerely thank each of you for your partnership, your thoughtfulness, and your willingness to show up again and again to move this work forward. I’m incredibly proud of what this Coalition has accomplished and grateful for the relationships that have grown out of it. While change is always a little bittersweet, I’m very confident that the Coalition will continue to thrive and make an impact. Thank you all for the work you do every day and for allowing me to be part of it for so many years. It truly has meant the world to me, and I will cherish it for years to come.
Featured Speaker: Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association of Community Service Providers (MACSP). meacsp.org Topic: An overview of legislation in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.
Bonnie: I am pleased to welcome Laura Cordes, Executive Director, Maine Association of Community Service Providers (MACSP). Laura will provide an overview of legislation in the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature, including bills to watch, what to expect, and the ways people can advocate for positive change. Thank you for being here, Laura!
Laura: Thank you for having me! The Maine Association for Community Service Providers (MACSP) is an association of around 100 organizations that provide supports and services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Autism, and Brain Injuries in Maine. I want to introduce Jena Jones, our very first Policy and Advocacy Manager, who recently joined our staff!
As this group knows we are in the Second Session, or the “short session”, which started on 1/7/26, and the statutory adjournment date (the 3rd Wednesday of April) is scheduled for 4/15/26. Cloture occurred September 26, 2025. Only bills deemed to be “emergency bills” and bills put forth by the Governor could be considered, along with bills that were carried over from the previous session. The Legislative Council met to determine what bills will move forward and be considered in the Second Session.
Begin Presentation.
Laura provided a thorough review of the MCHQS 132nd Maine Legislature Resource Document, going through the list of bills and their statuses, along with the Governor’s Supplemental Budget. Please see the Google Document for this information.
Laura: The MCHQS 132nd Maine Legislature Resource Document, is a Google Document that MASCP created and includes budget, bill, and committee information.
As this group knows, there are a whole host of bills that either didn’t move through the House and Senate for votes for enactment or didn’t get funded off the Table. The vast majority of these bills were carried over into the next Legislative Session. And there are some bills that were enacted and sent to the Governor, but since the Legislature adjourned Sine Die, they were held by the Governor and became law when the Legislature convened in January. New and carried-over bills have started to move through the process, with Committees holding numerous public hearings and work sessions.
Supplemental Budget: The Governor also released her Supplemental Budget, which can be found on the Budget page (with information linked below as well as on the Google Doc).
Governor's Recommended General Fund Supplemental Budget 2026-2027:
The Supplemental Budget is essentially changes to the two-year budget that was passed last session (see the Google Doc for what’s included from the Governor for the ID/DD and brain injury community, that Laura reviewed in detail).
The Appropriations and Financial Affairs (AFA) Committee has already had its public hearings. The Health & Human Services Committee reported out their relevant initiatives – which supported all of the ID/DD initiatives. AFA has yet to make decisions, though that work has started.
Now that public hearings have been held, you can reach out to your Senators and Representatives to advocate for funding included in the Supplemental Budget, or to express disappointment about things not included.
-A self-advocate stated that this is extremely effective. She asked about the MDSOAB funding included in the Supplemental Budget, specifically the Program Manager position.
Bonnie: This would be a new full-time position that would have to do with contract renewals, minute-taking, working with the Governor’s Office on appointments, and other administrative work.
Bills of Interest:
Laura: I’ll now review the bills of interest. There are six (6) new bills that I’ve flagged that I believe would be of interest to this group, along with numerous carry-over bills. (Laura thoroughly reviewed the all of the Bills of Interest listed in the Google Doc.)
New Bills:
LD 2021: Current law requires that reports to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults must be made by telephone. This bill adds the option of reporting by an online portal to align state law with federal regulations promulgated in June 2024 that require states to allow at least 2 methods of reporting, one of which must be online. Voted OTP out of HHS Committee.
LD 2117: This resolve amends rules in Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 21, Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder pertaining to filling residential vacancies in a 2-person home. Work Session on 3/11 at 10am in HHS Committee.
LD 2177: While this bill makes some technical changes to the MaineCare rate setting system which was codified in 2022, it also makes all rate determinations and COLAs subject to available appropriations. Work Session on 3/12 at 1pm in HHS Committee.
LD 2114: This bill expands the definition of "public preschool program" to include a program that provides instruction to children who are 3 years of age. The bill provides that, in addition to allowing start-up funds for the operation of public preschools for children who are 4 years of age, the State, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, may provide start-up funding for the allowable costs to operate public preschool programs for children who are both 3 years of age and identified as a child with a disability. The bill specifies that public preschool students who are 3 years of age and have not been identified as a child with a disability are not subsidizable pupils for the purposes of state subsidy calculations under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, chapter 606-B. Under the bill, a child who is 3 years of age on October 15th and does not have an identified disability may still attend a public preschool program that offers instruction to children who are 3 years of age. Under the bill, a person who is at least 3 years of age and is identified as a child with a disability may enroll in an available public preschool program at any time prior to enrolling in kindergarten. Voted OTP out of EDU Committee.
LD 2020: This bill updates various provisions of law that require the Department of Education to make annual reports to the Legislature. The bill changes the reporting dates of several required annual reports. It also changes the type of information the department must include in:
- Its report concerning the Child Development Services System.
- Its report during the period in which school administrative units are transitioning to take over responsibility of child find activities and for ensuring a free, appropriate public education for children eligible under Part B, Section 619 of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- Its reports related to educator workforce preparation and postsecondary retention and graduation rates.
LD 2106: This bill prohibits a person acting on behalf of a public school, state postsecondary educational institution, health care facility, child care facility, family child care provider or public library from providing voluntary consent permitting a law enforcement officer engaged in immigration enforcement or supporting immigration enforcement to enter a nonpublic area of a public school, state postsecondary educational institution, health care facility, child care facility, home of a family child care provider or public library or access, review or obtain student, patient or library records. The bill also requires the Attorney General to publish, by January 1, 2027, model policies and guidance for public schools, state postsecondary educational institutions, health care facilities, childcare facilities, family childcare providers and public libraries related to limiting voluntary assistance with immigration enforcement activity to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and state law. Public schools, state postsecondary educational institutions, health care facilities, childcare facilities, family childcare providers and public libraries must adopt the published policies and guidance or establish equivalent policies and guidance within 6-18 months of the Attorney General's publishing of the model policies and guidance. Voted OTP-AM out of Judiciary Committee.
Carry-over bill of note:
LD 1932: Bill was amended to strike increase from 125 - 140% of minimum wage and instead establish a 3.07% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to increase reimbursement for direct care workers. It will also require that Maine Health Data Organization and the Department of Health and Human Services report on the “care gap” in Maine - the difference between the home and community-based services individuals are authorized to receive and the services they actually received. Unanimous bipartisan support from the HHS Committee last week. Voted OTP-AM out of HHS Committee, but awaiting final bill language before going to the House.
Discussion:
-There was discussion regarding the carry-over dental bill (LD 2123). Laura will bring information back to this group regarding where that bill stands.
Laura: It is also worth noting that we have elections coming up, including elections for the Legislature, Governor, and Congress. With primaries occurring in June. Attending candidate forums, town halls, and other stakeholder meetings are great ways to communicate the needs of people with disabilities in Maine.
-There was discussion regarding proposed rules for Section 13 and Section 28, that are out of public comment with comments due Friday, 3/13.
- MaineCare Notice of Agency Rulemaking Proposal: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapters II and III, Section 13
- MaineCare Notice of Agency Rulemaking Proposal: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapters II and III, Section 28
-There was discussion regarding fraud prevention and response. It was stated that service provider agencies providing services to folks are very mission-focused and working in a very complex system. It was stated that the vast majority of providers are very dedicated to the integrity of the system.
Bonnie: Thank you for being here Laura, for keeping us all informed, and for all of you work at the Legislature, well done!
End Presentation (round of applause would have occurred were it not for everyone being muted and on Zoom)
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Derek Fales, Associate Director, could not attend today’s meeting, but the following are pertinent updates from OADS:
MaineCare Notice of Agency Waiver Amendments -Section 21 & 29: The Department has released waiver amendments for Section 21 and Section 29. Comments are due March 29th. Click here for more information on each waiver amendment and how to submit comments.
DHHS-OADS: Follow Up to OADS Lifespan Waiver – FAQ Notice: Thank you to all who attended the OADS “Lifespan Overview” Zoom webinar on 1/21/26 and/or the “SIS-A and Levels” webinar on 1/23/2026. The videos and presentations can be found on the HCBS Lifespan Project web page. We are pleased to announce that the Lifespan FAQ document we have been working to finalize is complete and ready for your review. You will also find it on the HCBS Lifespan Project web page (see link above) in the Lifespan Resources section of the page.
SIS-A Assessments Ramp Up in March 2026 For MaineCare Section 21 and Section 29 Members: At first, OADS will focus on participants in provider agency homes. Beginning in February Maximus schedulers began calling provider agencies to set up a Supports Intensity Scale - Adult (SIS-A) Assessment. If needed, Maximus may also contact the member and/or guardian to confirm a date and time.
What is the SIS-A? The SIS-A is not a test. It is a guided conversation about the support you need to be safe, healthy, and successful in daily life. Most interviews take about 2-3 hours (breaks are OK). You can have people who know you well join you (guardian/family, case manager, staff). They need to have known you for more than three months.
Why are we doing this? The Department is using the SIS-A for all individuals on Sections 21 and 29, as well as Lifespan. The SIS-A provides additional information to support the person-centered planning process. Also, Maine is using the SIS-A so providers can be paid based on the level of assessed support needs across several services for the people they support. For those with higher needs, the provider can receive a higher reimbursement. Taking an assessment now can prevent later backlogs of assessments. It is important that you schedule an assessment with Maximus.
How to get ready (simple tips):
- Think about how your family and provider(s) support you each day; both regular days and on a hard day, especially if hard days are frequent.
- Bring people who know you best and can help you describe the services and supports and what you need to live your best life.
- Tell the scheduler what you need to be comfortable (breaks, communication supports, etc.).
As part of this work, we held SIS-A information sessions outlining the need for the SIS-A and how scheduling and the assessment will work. All sessions were recorded and the slide deck and video will be available on the SIS-A Implementation Project web page. We appreciate your involvement with Lifespan. The input we receive from you will help to improve the program.
Follow Up to OADS Lifespan Waiver Presentations – Home and Community Based Supports (HCBS) Sections 18, 20, 21, 29, and New Lifespan Waiver: Comment Summary with Department Response and Final Draft Rate Models: The final draft rate models for Sections 18, 20, 21, 29, the new Lifespan Waiver, and a summary of all comments resulting from the public forum from April 14, 2025, is available on the MaineCare Rate System Reform webpage, along with all related notices and presented materials to date. The comment summary includes the Department’s written responses, with an explanation of whether and how feedback was incorporated into the final draft rates. We thank all those who contributed. For questions and comments on the rate determination process, or suggestions for the next Annual Rate Determination Schedule, please submit comments to [email protected]. Learn more about this process on the Rate System Reform webpage. Click here for more information, including background info.
Housing Update: OADS is currently accepting applications for Housing Support Funds. Each year funds are available to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism in covering their housing costs. Individuals can apply for a one-time lump-sum payment to help with rent, security deposits, or utility costs. Housing Support Funds can support individuals residing in an apartment they rent, home they own, or group home setting. Eligible applicants for this program are individuals receiving service through the Section 21 Comprehensive Waiver and the Section 29 Support Waiver. For more information on Housing Support Funds please visit our Housing Services webpage. To apply, please complete the linked Housing Support Funds Application and submit it to [email protected].
DHHS – Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/support-services/childrens-behavioral-health - No Update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr
Libby Stone-Sterling provided the following updates via email as she was driving during the meeting: Vocational Rehabilitation will be running a college prep program this summer for young people with Autism at a Thomas College. Reach out to your local VR office for more information! We are also going to be rehiring for our Pathways Youth Specialist position. This is a great opportunity for someone to work on our Pathways to Partnerships P2P grant to support cross agency work on behalf of children with disabilities.
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No Update
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) - No Update
Federal & Housing Updates:
Federal Budget Update of Note: On 2/3 the final minibus spending package that includes THUD funding to fund most of the government for FY 26 was passed, while carving out a temporary extension for DHS funding. The bill provides an approximately $7.3 billion increase over the previous fiscal year, bringing HUD programs to $77.3 billion, plus an additional $6.9 billion in offsetting receipts. the THUD bill provides:
- $34.9 billion for renewing Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) contracts, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. This ought to be enough to ensure the renewal of existing TBRA contracts.
- $18.143 billion for Project-Based Section 8, an increase from the $16.89 billion allocated in FY 25. This ought to be enough to ensure the renewal of existing contracts.
- $3.3 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), level funding with FY 25.
- $1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, level funding with FY 25.
- $7.5 million for the Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP), a reduction from the $20 million provided in FY 25.
- $1 billion for Housing for the Elderly, an increase of nearly $100 million above FY 25, to continue supportive services and affordable housing for low-income seniors.
- $287 million for Housing for Persons with Disabilities, an increase of $30 million above FY 25.
We are closely following everything going on at the federal level which would affect housing, services, and other resources for people with ID/DD. When things arise, we will be sure to make you aware through regular updates and action alerts.
Previous updates that we’re still following:
Medicaid cuts remain a large threat, specifically as enacted in the Budget Reconciliation Bill (HR 1, One Big Beautiful Act) (see below for more information). The entire Maine Delegation attempted to thwart efforts to include cuts to Medicaid in this reconciliation bill by voting against it. The cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will take effect in the fall of 2026, right around the Mid-Term Elections.
Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act): On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1 into law. The legislation reduces more than $1 trillion in funding for key safety-net programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Despite these deep cuts, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill will increase the federal deficit by more than $3.9 trillion over the next decade.
Medicaid
- Reduces Medicaid funding by more than $1 trillion—the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history.
- Work requirements: Expands Medicaid work requirements to include parents enrolled through Medicaid expansion whose children are over age 13, resulting in coverage losses for those unable to meet the requirement.
- Severely restricts how states finance Medicaid, including through per-capita caps or block grants.
- Reduces eligibility across major health coverage programs for many lawfully present immigrants.
- An estimated $430–$522 million in Medicaid costs could be shifted annually to the state.
- Approximately 4,300 Maine jobs could be lost.
- Hospitals could lose up to $700 million in revenue each year.
- Tens of thousands of Mainers could lose health coverage entirely.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Cuts SNAP by $186 billion through 2034 (approximately a 20% reduction), representing the largest SNAP cut in the program’s history.
- Requires most states to cover 5–15% of food benefit costs. States unable to absorb these costs may be forced to reduce eligibility, make enrollment more difficult, or withdraw from the program altogether.
- Work requirements: Expands existing SNAP work requirements to adults aged 55–64 and to parents whose youngest child is at least 14 years old, while sharply limiting waivers for areas with high unemployment or poor economic conditions.
- Eliminates current work-requirement exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth.
- Reduces food assistance by an average of $100 per month for approximately 600,000 low-income households by removing a utility expense calculation provision.
- Up to 30,000 Mainers previously exempt from SNAP work requirements may now be subject to them.
- Approximately 2,000 New Mainers are expected to lose SNAP eligibility entirely.
- As many as 31,000 residents are at risk of losing some or all of their SNAP benefits.
Executive Orders: No new updates. Previous update:
President Trump initiated a series of Executive Orders (EOs) which, if implemented/upheld by the courts, could make it more difficult for everyone to access to an affordable, accessible home. Per NLIHC, the new Administration’s first actions include:
- Directing federal agencies to terminate all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) practices and policies and rescind previous executive actions expanding DEI efforts to underserved communities.
- Institute a hiring freeze which would prevent HUD from hiring essential staff.
- Denying fair housing and civil rights protections to LGBTQ individuals.
- Directing federal agencies to prevent sanctuary jurisdictions, or jurisdictions that limit or deny cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, from receiving federal investments. If this EO is used to deny states and localities access to federal funding, it could undermine local governments’ ability to help families purchase a home and build more affordable rental housing.
Federal Bills: No new updates. Previous updates:
- The Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act: Introduced by Senators King and Welch, this bill would establish a refundable tax credit for eligible home modifications designed to improve accessibility — saving both Americans with the highest risk of falling, as well as taxpayers, from the high medical costs associated with falls.
- S 1234 / HR 2540 SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act: This is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to update the resource limit for supplemental security income eligibility. This bill would update SSI’s asset limits for the first time since the 1980s to ensure people with disabilities and seniors are able to prepare themselves for a financial emergency without putting the benefits that they rely on to live at risk.
- S 343/HR 869 Keep our PACT Act: This bill would require full funding of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- HR 1634 Think DIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act: This bill would provide for a memorandum of understanding between the Small Business Administration and the National Council on Disability to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes.
- HR 1757 EMPSA Act: This bill would amend title XVI of the Social Security Act to provide that the supplemental security income benefits of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities shall not be reduced by marriage.
- S 466 Fairness for Disabled Young Adults Act: This bill would amend title II of the Social Security Act to increase the age threshold for eligibility for child's insurance benefits on the basis of disability.
State Legislature Update: No additional updates.
Other Business:
- It was suggested that Cullen work on getting people from relevant state offices to regularly attend these meetings (CBHS, OSSIE, etc.) and for them to send updates for the minutes if they cannot attend.
- It was suggested that Cullen invite candidates running for office to these meetings for a candidate forum.
- SUFU is having its annual conference in Orono on 9/22 and 9/23.
- MACSP is looking at rescheduling its Advocacy Day at the State House.
Next Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Featured Speaker and Topic TBD.
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation.
If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected] (after 4/1/26).