Explanations:

LD 375 would extend to domestic partners the same family medical leave rights that are given to spouses, parents or children of individuals with serious health conditions.

LD 1658 would ban a flame-retardant chemical known as deca-BDE in mattresses and furniture on Jan. 1, 2008 and phase out its use in televisions and other plastic-cased electronics by Jan. 1, 2010.

Sen. Bill Diamond:

LD 375: Medical leave

Yes. This bill had widespread support from both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate. There was no roll call (recorded vote), but there were approximately 29 who voted in favor and only 5 opposed. The bill added domestic partners to the list of family members that employees may use their family sick leave to take care of. This is sick leave that has been accumulated by the employee and is currently used for similar purposes. As an owner of several small businesses over the years I saw this addition as a minor change, which seemed fair and appropriate.

LD 1658: Deca BDE

Yes. This bill restricts the sale of products containing chemical flame-retardants found in mattresses, furniture, televisions and many more items in homes. I, along with most Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, voted in favor of this bill – 29 in favor and only 5 opposed. The widespread support centered on the fact that these toxic chemical flame retardants are suspected of causing cancer and are being ingested by humans and now found in mothers breast milk, dust particles in homes, etc. Support for the bill also came from firefighters and the State Fire Marshal.

Rep. Gary Moore:

LD 375: Medical leave

Yes. LD 375, “An Act to Amend the Family Medical Leave Laws,” expands the list of family members that employees may use family medical leave to take care of to include domestic partners. A vote on the bill was held in the House on May 24 and passed 95-41. I supported the measure because I believe it will bring greater equity and fairness to Maine’s labor laws.

LD 1658: Deca BDE

Yes. The “Deca” bill would ban the chemical known as Deca-BDE, which is used as a flame retardant. The House amended the bill to authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to determine whether or not a ban on Deca-BDE is necessary. I wouldn’t want a chemical that is harmful to Maine residents to continue being used. Also, Deca-BDE could be harmful to our local firefighters who must battle home blazes and breathe in this chemical. I plan to support allowing the DEP to report back to the Legislature their findings on Deca-BDE when it comes before the House for enactment.

Rep. John Robinson:

LD 375: Medical leave

Yes. L.D. 375, “An Act To Amend the Family Medical Leave Laws” seeks to extend provisions of the State’s Family Medical Leave Act to domestic partners. As you may know, under the Maine Family Medical Leave Act, employees can request time off from work to care for a sick family member. In the event this proposal receives the approval of lawmakers and the Governor, any domestic partner group would be included in the same category. It is my belief that anyone caring for a sick partner should have the opportunity to ensure their welfare without fear of losing their job.

LD 1658: Deca BDE

No. Unclear as to whether there are any safe or useful alternatives to using brominated flame retardants (BMF), I am in opposition to L.D. 1658, “An Act To Protect Pregnant Women and Children from Toxic Chemicals Released into the Home.” It should be noted that no other state has banned the chemical and that within a year; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will have more insight on the chemical’s effect.

Rep. Gary Plummer:

LD 375: Medical leave

No. I wanted to vote yes on this bill because it is the right thing to do, but at the last minute I was thinking how hard it is for businesses to survive in Maine. We put so many requirements and restrictions on business and I could not vote for another one at this time.

LD 1658: Deca BDE

Yes. Finally, a bill that I can vote yes on. This is a bill where constituents really made a difference. I heard from several of you and all urged me to vote to ban Deca-BDE. Unless there is very convincing testimony against the ban during floor debate, I will be voting to ban this chemical.

Rep. Rich Cebra:

LD 375: Medical leave

No. I did not support LD 375 as it came to the Legislature with an amendment that deliberately leaves out any accommodation for siblings. There are adult siblings living together in our state who make up a family unit and should be included in this bill. I am currently working with members of both parties to amend the bill to include siblings. Our compassion for our neighbors and our willingness to make an accommodation, for all of our citizens, during times of serious illness, should always be a priority. Excluding one group, adult siblings, is just wrong.

LD 1658: Deca BDE

No. This is another example of “The sky is falling!” environmentalism. There is no real, scientific evidence backing anti-DECA claims. There is a compromise that would have DECA manufacturers pay for a study to be done in Maine. This was initially rejected by the environmentalists. We should all be asking why. Is it possible that a scientific study of DECA might shed some light on the issue, and groups that spread environmental hysteria don’t really want the public to know the facts. If there is a problem with DECA, ban it. But until we know all the facts, leave it alone.

Rep. Mark Bryant:

LD 375: Medical leave

Yes. LD 375, an act to amend the family leave laws, is about keeping families together in times of medical crises. This new law allows registered domestic partners to take time off if their partners are sick through the Family Medical Leave Act. Too many families are faced with the choice of attending to their families needs or keeping their jobs. This law gives more families in Maine protection and peace of mind during medical crises.

LD 1658: Deca BDE

Yes. After talking with firefighters and people in our area who contacted me on this bill, I followed the debate closely. I learned that these chemicals are very dangerous for infants and children prohibiting normal brain development, causing permanent memory loss, and damaging reproductive organs and the thyroid gland. Besides the risks of pregnant women coming into contact with the chemicals and passing them to infants through breast milk, there is also significant damage to our ecosystem when products containing BFRs find their way into dumps and landfills. Reducing exposure to Deca is necessary to protect Maine’s people and environment.