Maine Fire Fighters Score Two Legislative Victories

PFFM fire fighters witness Governor John Baldacci sign health subsidy appropriations bill.

July 10, 2007 – Tough lobbying by the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine (PFFM) and its affiliate leaders resulted in two legislative victories for fire fighters during Maine’s 123rd legislative session: an appropriations bill to fund a 45 percent health care subsidy for retired Maine public safety officers and a ban on the use of deca-PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether), a toxic flame retardant.

“I am very proud of all of the efforts by our fire fighter leaders,” says Gerry Gay president of PFFM. “They spent countless hours at the statehouse to ensure that both of these measures got the support they needed to pass.”

Last year, hundreds of members from the IAFF, the Maine Fire Chiefs Association and Maine Association of Police lined the statehouse halls for weeks to ensure the passage of the new health insurance program for retired public safety officers.

However, an appropriations bill to fund the program did not pass until this year. Now, full-time Maine fire fighters who retire after the age of 50 will be eligible for the 45 percent health care subsidy.

“This is huge for us,” says Gay. “Until now, our retirees were on their own for health insurance.” Portland Local 740 President Bobby Reynolds, South Portland Local 1476 member Mike Williams, PFFM 4th District Vice President Ron Green, PFFM 2nd District Vice President John Martell and many others spent the better part of two years lobbying for legislation. “It was well worth the fight,” notes Gay.

The second legislative victory resulted in a ban of the use of deca-PBDE in furniture, upholstery, computers and televisions. The substance is a toxic flame retardant that has been shown to cause neurological development problems in laboratory tests. According to the bill, the state will no longer be using the toxin by the year 2010.

Spearheading the PFFM efforts were IAFF members Green, Reynolds and Martell. “This initiative was important to all citizens of Maine because deca-PBDE is dangerous to anyone who is exposed to it,” says Gay. “There are many other safer substances out there that can be used as a fire retardant. There is no need to risk fire fighter or citizen exposure.”

Other states working to limit the use of deca-PBDE this year include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana and New York.