Resolve, to Establish the Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 2144
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: INGWERSEN, STROUT

Legislative Document
No. 2144
S.P. 862
In Senate, January 7, 2026
Resolve, to Establish the Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and 
Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
203.
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator INGWERSEN of York.
Cosponsored by Representative STROUT of Harrington and
Senators: BLACK of Franklin, BRENNER of Cumberland, HICKMAN of Kennebec, MOORE 
of Washington, RENY of Lincoln, TEPLER of Sagadahoc, Representatives: HEPLER of 
Woolwich, PLUECKER of Warren.
Preamble.  Whereas, struggles with mental health and wellness are common within 
Maine's heritage industries, with many individuals and family members reporting high 
levels of stress, burnout, depression and anxiety; and
Whereas, a July 2025 survey conducted by the University of Maine Cooperative 
Extension and partners revealed 61% of respondents from the agriculture, aquaculture and 
wild harvest fisheries industries identified the need for increased public education to raise 
awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues and access to industry-specific 
and culturally competent supportive services; and
Whereas, Vermont, Colorado, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and other states have 
recognized this critical need and implemented solutions; and
Whereas, Maine held its first Maine Land and Sea Farmer Wellness Forum in 
September 2025, at which over 200 people were in attendance; and
Whereas, the 2021 suicide rate among persons of working age in the United States is 
approximately 33% higher than it was 2 decades ago, with the agriculture, forestry, logging 
and fishing industries remaining among occupation groups with higher suicide rates; and
Whereas, the purpose of the working group under this legislation is to convene a 
group of leaders and experts in heritage industries and mental health and wellness care and 
wellness programs to improve access to mental health and wellness and wellness care for 
those involved in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and logging and their families; now, 
therefore, be it
Sec. 1.  Working group established.  Resolved:  That the Working Group to 
Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries, referred to in this 
resolve as "the working group," is established.
Sec. 2.  Working group membership.  Resolved:  That the working group 
consists of 11 members as follows:
1.  The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, or the 
commissioner's designee, who serves as a cochair of the working group;
2.  The Commissioner of Marine Resources, or the commissioner's designee, who 
serves as a cochair of the working group; 
3.  The Commissioner of Health and Human Services, or the commissioner's designee, 
who serves as a cochair of the working group;
4.  One member representing the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 
appointed by the cochairs of the working group;
5.  One member representing the State's agriculture industry, appointed by the cochairs 
of the working group; 
6.  One member representing the State's fishing industry, appointed by the cochairs of 
the working group; 
7.  One member representing the State's forestry or logging sector, appointed by the 
cochairs of the working group; 
8.  One member representing a statewide mental health services provider organization, 
appointed by the cochairs of the working group; 
9.  One member representing an occupational health and safety organization, appointed 
by the cochairs of the working group; 
10.  One member with expertise in rural health or public health services, appointed by 
the cochairs of the working group; and
11.  One member representing a statewide organization that delivers community 
services, appointed by the cochairs of the working group.
Sec. 3.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the working group shall: 
1.  Review existing mental health and wellness resources available to individuals in the 
State's heritage industries, including agriculture, fishing, forestry and logging;
2.  Identify gaps in the provision of services and barriers to accessing existing 
resources;
3.  Examine successful models from other states and jurisdictions;
4.  Develop recommendations for establishing sustainable funding mechanisms and 
service delivery models; and
5.  Explore opportunities for public education to reduce stigma around mental health 
issues and increase awareness of mental health services.
Sec. 4.  Report. Resolved:  That, no later than December 1, 2026, the working group 
shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations based on its review 
under section 3, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the joint standing 
committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agriculture, conservation and 
forestry matters, marine resources matters and health and human services matters.  The 
joint standing committees may each submit legislation based on the findings and 
recommendations in the report to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
SUMMARY
This resolve creates the Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health 
Resources for Heritage Industries, which is directed to review existing mental health and 
wellness resources available to individuals in Maine's heritage industries, identify gaps in 
the provision of services and barriers to accessing existing resources, examine successful 
models from other states and jurisdictions, develop recommendations for establishing 
sustainable funding mechanisms and service delivery models and explore opportunities for 
public education to reduce stigma around mental health issues and increase awareness of 
mental health services.  The resolve requires the working group to submit a report of its 
findings and recommendations to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having 
jurisdiction over agriculture, conservation and forestry matters, marine resources matters 
and health and human services matters by December 1, 2026 and authorizes the joint 
standing committees to each submit legislation to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.