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Maine Senate gives initial approval to Sen. Curry bill to fully fund Maine Length of Service Award Program, support first responders

Augusta β€” On Wednesday, the Maine Senate voted to advance a bill from Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast. LD 588, β€œAn Act to Promote Public Safety and Retain Essential First Responders by Funding the Maine Length of Service Award Program,” would provide ongoing funding to support retirement benefits for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel in Maine.

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“I am deeply grateful to my Senate colleagues for their support of LD 588, which demonstrates our shared commitment to fully fund the Maine Length of Service Award Program and support our first responders,” said Sen. Curry. “This crucial funding will help ensure that our dedicated volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel receive the retirement benefits they deserve, while also recognizing their invaluable contributions to the safety and well-being of our communities.”

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LD 588 would allocate $2.5 million to the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission beginning in fiscal year 2023-24. This funding will enable the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) to offer retirement contributions to eligible volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. LOSAP is designed to reward these first responders for their service to Maine communities, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and selfless service.

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The Maine Fire Services Commission initiated this retention effort in 2003, and the 127th Legislature passed LD 164 to establish LOSAP at the State level. In July 2017, a seven-member board appointed by the governor began developing the program’s bylaws and rules. However, securing sufficient funding for the initiative has been challenging. LD 1014 from the 129th Legislature failed to pass due to early adjournment caused by the pandemic, while LD 1316 in the 130th Legislature secured funds for a third-party administrator. However, provisions for funding contributions were cut.

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