AUGUSTA, Maine - People with intellectual disabilities and their families are raising concerns about a bill that would adjust the way the state makes changes to services.
Under Republican Sen. Eric Brakey's bill, the Department of Health and Human Services would no longer be required to hold a public hearing in the Legislature or get lawmakers' approval to make changes to the rates of services for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Advocates and family members of those who have intellectual disabilities told the Health and Human Services Committee Wednesday that they'd have fewer opportunities to provide input on changes that impact the services they receive.
DHHS spokesman David Sorensen said that waiting for the Legislature to take action can often take months and the department wants the process to be more efficient.