DHHS hearing supported

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

 AUGUSTA — A resolve submitted by Sen. Paul Davis (R-Sangerville) to require the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to hold a public hearing in Piscataquis County to assess the agency’s effectiveness sailed through the Legislature with little debate after it was introduced.

 One of Davis’ concerns was the replacement of a staffed DHHS office with an Internet kiosk at the Penquis CAP office.

 But to the Sangerville Republican’s surprise, Gov. Paul LePage vetoed the bill, describing LD 525 as an “unfunded mandate” and “unnecessary.” LePage cited several social service agencies still operating in the county such as MaineCare services, Eastern Maine Agency on Aging and Meals on Wheels.

 He added that if anyone has problems navigating the online system “Maine’s health and human services information line — 211 — is available around the clock to assist an individual in finding the services they need.”

 The Legislature didn’t agree, however. Last week, the veto was overridden by a vote of 33-1 in the Senate and 132-13 in the House.

 Rep. Norm Higgins (R-Dover-Foxcroft) said that he, Davis and Rep. Paul Stearns (R-Guilford) originally asked DHHS officials last fall to hold such a hearing, but they turned them down. So Davis introduced the resolve — a bill that, if passed, enacts a law for a temporary or limited purpose. “Now DHHS is mandated to hold the meeting,” Higgins said. “Stay tuned!”

 Davis told the Health and Human Services Committee that many people “found it difficult and sometimes nearly impossible” to navigate the DHHS kiosk. “Most of the people I have heard from on this issue are elderly. As many of the younger legislators on this committee may find it hard to believe, not everyone grew up with the technological advances we have grown accustomed to today.”

 Stearns said that while the concept of the kiosk “is an attempt to replace face-to-face contact, the reality is that many of the individuals will not use the system due to lack of technical skills, basic Yankee pride or other factors.”

 The Guilford lawmaker said that a public hearing “will likely result in a better understanding of the situation and lead to some creative ways to deliver high quality services” to the county.

 Rep. Patty Hymanson (D-York) is a neurologist and a member of the Health and Human Services Committee, which overwhelmingly recommended the bill’s passage after a public hearing.

 “Mainers who are elderly or have disabilities or mental illness deserve face-to-face interaction with their state government. That should be the case whether you’re living in urban, suburban or rural Maine,” said Hymanson. “This bill will give residents of Piscataquis County the chance to meet with DHHS in person to talk about their needs. We need to support vulnerable Mainers wherever they live.”