I am writing concerning the passage of L.D. 1755, An Act to Extend Tuition Waivers to Persons Who Have Resided in Subsidized Adoptive Care or Who Have Subsidized Guardians. Enactment of this bill would extend college tuition waivers in a state postsecondary educational institution to any child who has been in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services and has been adopted or is living with a guardian who receives a subsidy from the state of Maine.

Currently, only children who are in foster care – either living with a foster family, in a group home or on their own – are eligible for this tuition waiver. Upon adoption or establishment of a subsidized guardianship, former foster children are no longer candidates for this assistance.

The passage of this bill could aid Maine families that have taken children into their homes who are victims of abuse or neglect. This increased assistance to families who have stepped up to help our most vulnerable children could potentially lessen the number of foster children who are unemployed and thus decrease the financial burden on state taxpayers. Through the opportunity to attend college, these children may be more likely to become productive citizens and attain the skills and education needed to break the cycle of abuse.

I urge support of L.D. 1755, which may lessen the financial burden on Maine families who were there when the children’s biological families were unable to ensure them a safe and productive future.

Susan Verrill, Poland Spring