Whereas, this legislation provides funds to allow a cost-of- living increase for direct care workers employed by community mental retardation services providers; and

Whereas, the cost-of-living increase is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2001; and

Whereas, this legislation must be enacted in a timely manner to allow the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to adjust its contracts with providers of services to persons with mental retardation to provide for the July 1, 2001 cost-of-living increase for direct care workers; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Community agency direct care worker cost-of-living increase. Resolved: That beginning July 1, 2001, contracts with providers of services to persons with mental retardation, pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 34-B, section 1208, subsection 7, must be adjusted to provide for a one-time 4% cost-of-living increase for direct care workers; and be it further

Sec. 2. Intermediate care facilities principles of reimbursement. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services shall amend the principles of reimbursement established for intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation to reimburse pension plans for employees as a designated employee benefit under Department of Human Services rule 7012.22(A)(April 1, 1989).

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to adjust contracts with providers of services to persons with mental retardation to provide a cost-of-living increase for direct care workers. It also requires the Department of Human Services to