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As we near the end of my last term in the House of Representatives, I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank my friends and neighbors in House District 111 for their trust and support over the last four years. It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve our communities in this capacity, and together, we have accomplished a lot, particularly for veterans and service members that have served our country with dignity and honor.
During my time in Augusta, I have been an advocate on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, serving as Ranking House Republican for the last two years. I am proud to report that during that time, the committee came together time and time again to do right by Maine veterans.
This year, the Legislature unanimously passed my bill to cut unnecessary red tape for medically-trained veterans returning from service who wish to pursue employment in the medical field.
This new law will help fill critical vacancies in our healthcare field by creating a program through the Maine Department of Labor to utilize medical skills learned in the field by matching veterans with medical training with area employers. Through the program, they will have the opportunity to continue their education and training through apprenticeships, ultimately securing healthcare positions in local hospitals, assisted living facilities and other healthcare facilities, without having to start at square one once they return to life as civilians.
Another law that soared through the Legislature with unanimous support this year was “An Act Regarding Mental Health Care for Maine Veterans.”
As a result of this new law, the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services has launched a pilot program to provide mental health care and case management services to Maine veterans. This new program is open to all veterans, free of charge, who need mental health treatment or help to navigate the mental health system.
We also broadened educational opportunities for veterans with the unanimous passage of a bill that expands upon a 2016 law that provides Maine National Guard members with free in-state tuition to colleges within the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy, to also allow participation of Maine’s private postsecondary institutions.
And as a small token of our appreciation, last year made it so that all Maine veterans who receive an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions qualify for a Lifetime Veteran State Park Pass. This pass is free of charge and never expires.
I am incredibly proud that, even during times of heated debates and disagreements, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle came together time and time again to show appreciation for our military members and veterans.
That is why I am now running for Senate District 3 to continue that important work on your behalf in Augusta. If you live in Somerset County or the town of Rome in Kennebec County, I would appreciate your vote this November.
Paid for and authorized by Brad Farrin for Senate
