FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

A NOTE FROM MAINE'S ORGANIZING DIRECTOR

Dear Recovery Advocates of Maine,

 

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same optimism and hope that has been reverberating throughout our community in recent days. It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to reflect on the inspiring events that unfolded during last week's appropriations budget hearing, particularly highlighting the remarkable turnout and support from individuals in recovery calling on our Legislature to create a sustainable funding source for recovery community centers across Maine.

 

The presence of our peers at the appropriations budget hearing was not only significant but deeply moving. Their unwavering dedication and determination to voice their support for LD 1714 were truly commendable. To see individuals who have traversed their own paths to recovery stand up and advocate for legislation that will positively impact countless lives speaks volumes about the strength and resilience within our community.

 

What was equally heartening to witness was the participation of those who had never stepped foot in the State House before. Their willingness to testify, to share their stories, and to lend their voices to the cause underscored the inclusivity and unity that lie at the heart of our advocacy efforts. It is a testament to the power of collective action.

 

In the midst of challenges and uncertainties, the solidarity and hope that emanated from the appropriations budget hearing serve as a beacon of light guiding us forward. It reminds us that together, we have the capacity to effect meaningful change and create a brighter future for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

 

As we continue to advocate for policies that prioritize recovery and support, let us carry this spirit of unity, hope, and determination with us. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to uplifting and empowering one another, knowing that our collective efforts have the power to transform lives and communities. Together, we will continue to pave the way for a future where recovery is not only possible but celebrated and supported by all.

 

Onward and upward!

Courtney Gary-Allen

Organizing Director, ME-RAP

Legislative Update

LD 1714: An Act to Create a Sustainable Funding Source for Recovery Community Centers

Introduced last session by Representative Ambureen Rana of Bangor, this bipartisan bill aims to reinvest adult use cannabis tax revenues into funding recovery community centers statewide. Last session, advocates from across the state turned out at the public hearing in support of LD 1714, and it received unanimous support from the Taxation Committee. After passing both the House and the Senate, this bill was carried over to this session and now awaits funding from the Appropriations Committee. The Tax Committee has ranked LD 1714 as their top funding priority for this session!

Last week, Recovery Community Centers, advocates, and allies from across Maine testified at a joint budget hearing of the Appropriations and Taxation Committees to urge lawmakers to prioritize funding for LD 1714. As many RCCs are now facing financial uncertainty and tight budgets, Funding this bill will ensure that RCCs can continue to provide vital services, resources, and hope to their communities for years to come.

LD 1215: An Act to End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products

ME-RAP remains opposed to LD 1215, which proposes a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco in Maine. While we agree that reducing tobacco and vaping by Maine’s youth is important, we stand firmly against the prohibition of any addictive substance. Bans are ineffective at considerably reducing use, they shift market activity to other states, and they unintentionally add more potent and harmful substances on illicit markets.

Advocates recently gathered at the State House for an in-person lobbying day to educate lawmakers on the dangers of bans, while proposing alternative policy solutions for reducing tobacco and vaping use by Maine's youth. There are other paths forward that could reduce youth tobacco use without jeopardizing harm reduction options for adults.


Bottom Line: Bans are not the answer.

LD 1975: A Public Health Approach to Maine's Opioid Crisis

Sponsored by Rep. Lydia Crafts, LD 1975 seeks to implement a public health response to Maine's opioid crisis. Primarily, the bill advocates for the creation of receiving centers across all counties in Maine, akin to the receiving center proposed for Lewiston in Governor Mills budget. Receiving centers provide an array of low-barrier substance use and mental health services.

An amendment to LD 1975 has been introduced that calls for the opening of receiving centers in 4 of Maine's counties. The amendment also modifies Maine's laws by increasing the threshold amount of what constitutes a felony for possession. Learn more about the proposed amendment below. 

Throughout this month, advocates have hosted a virtual phone banking event, as well as an in-person lobby day to speak with legislators about the proposed Amendment and why Maine needs a public health response to substance use in Maine. Presently, we are eagerly expecting a work session in the Health and Human Services Committee within the first few weeks of March and remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to enact LD 1975, with the shared goal of saving lives.

 

Join us on on March 21 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Maine State House for a grassroots day to tell lawmakers to help us save lives.

Bills We Are watching

  • LD 2138 - Sponsored by Rep. Madigan, this bill proposes increased funding for low barrier shelters. Although LD 2138 did not pass out of Committee, its proposal was included in an Amendment to LD 2136, which did pass out of Committee and will also increase funding for homeless shelters. 
  • LD 2146 - Sponsored by Rep. Lookner, this bill prevents municipalities from enacting moratorium on emergency shelters. LD 2146 just passed the House as amended, which if passed would apply to cities or towns of +20,000 residents and currently awaits a vote in the Senate.
  • LD 1596- Sponsored by Sen. President Jackson, LD 1596 just passed the House and Senate, as amended. The amendment provides that the goals of the SUD programs established in the Superior Courts and District Courts include ensuring that such programs are available statewide and accessible to rural Maine.
  • LD 2089 - Sponsored by Senator Farrin, LD 2089 is scheduled to have a work session in the last week of February. LD 2089 requires 10 hours of instruction for grades 6-12 regarding prevention of the illegal use of fentanyl and other drugs with a high risk of overdose. It also establishes the 3rd full week of October annually as Drug Poisoning Awareness Week.


Organizer Spotlight

Nick Loscocco, a passionate advocate for the recovery community as a volunteer for ME-RAP, frequently testifies on policy at the State House in his free time. During his work hours, Nick continues to work on behalf of people in recovery and those still in active use as an Options Liaison in Lincoln County, Maine. Liaisons partner with Law enforcement to get people connected to resources, to lift them up, and keep them from harm’s way until they choose recovery. Nick holds a BA in Criminology from Framingham State University in Massachusetts and a drug counseling Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

 

“People spoke out for me when I was not in the position to do so, now I feel I must speak out for those who can’t."