The Only Lady in the Room

Since I was the only lady in the room, I hoped that they would let me stand in front with all the big guys.  But, in all seriousness, this was a great event.  Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure to attend the signing ceremony for LD 621, “An Act Allowing Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Firefighters Who Contract Cancer” sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett.

This legislation makes Maine the 33^rd state in the nation to allow for a rebuttable presumption when a firefighter contracts cancer due to exposure to harmful chemicals while on the job.  It’s all part of our work here at the Maine Women’s Lobby to ensure that every Maine family lives in a home free of harmful chemicals.  When firefighters risk their lives to put out fires in our homes, they shouldn’t have to risk cancer as well, just because of the toxins contained in our everyday household products.

Over the course of the months it took to pass this bill, I got to know many of the firefighters who took time out of their jobs, and away from their families to talk to legislators about the need for this legislation. It was a real honor to work along side these brave men and women and honestly, a lot of fun too!

I have to admit I got a real kick out of the surprise expressed by legislators when I asked them if they had a moment to discuss this bill.  Legislators were taken aback when along with the 10 to 20 burly men dressed in uniform, there was this little lady from the Maine Women’s Lobby talking to them about this legislation!

Always a pleasure to break a stereotype!

Congratulations to all of Maine’s Firefighters and the many advocates who worked on passage of this bill.  And thank you to Senator Bartlett for the sponsoring the bill, to the members of the Labor Committee for your tireless efforts, and to Governor Baldacci for signing the bill into Maine law!