April 7, 2025 – On Monday, the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England and the Maine Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs announced the introduction of L.D. 1389, An Act to Create the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Program, in the Maine State Legislature. This bill would establish a dedicated grant program to expand and enhance out-of-school time programs across the state, ensuring Maine youth have access to safe, enriching opportunities beyond the school day. 
 

The bill is sponsored by Representative Kristen Cloutier (D-Lewiston), with bipartisan support from Senator President Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland), Representatives Matt Moonen (D-Portland), Kelly Noonan Murphy (D-Scarborough), Daniel Shagoury (D-Hallowell), Holly Stover (D-Boothbay), Samuel Lewis Zager (D-Portland), along with Senators Jim Libby (R-Cumberland), Marianne Moore (R-Washington), and Peggy Rotundo (D-Androscoggin). 

In addition to the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England and the Maine Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, the BOOST Program is supported by a coalition of partners, including Educate Maine, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Hospitality Maine, Maine Association for the Education of Young Children, Maine Forest Products Council, Maine Tourism Association, and the YWCA of Central Maine.
 

A public hearing for L.D. 1389 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Health and Human Services Committee (Cross Building, Room 209), immediately following the YMCA’s Lunch & Learn for legislators and staff in the Legislative Council Chambers (State House, Room 334) at approximately 12:00 PM or when session concludes.
 

At the Lunch & Learn, YMCA leaders from across Maine will offer a brief presentation on the organization’s youth development initiatives, showcasing how the Y supports working parents, strengthens the state’s economy, and provides accessible, high-quality programs including before- and after-school care, early childhood education, and summer camp. Legislators will also hear how the Y prepares young people for the future with leadership, career, and life skills that ensure their long-term success. 

“Every child in Maine deserves a safe, supportive place to grow and thrive beyond the school day,” said Representative Kristen Cloutier (D-Lewiston), lead sponsor of LD 1389. “The BOOST Program is an investment in our children, our working families, and our state’s future. I am proud to work alongside the YMCA Alliance and other key partners to move this important legislation forward.”

“The Y has served communities in Maine for over 165 years, supporting people of all ages, from infants to seniors.” explained Meg Helming, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA Alliance. “We’re excited to share innovative new efforts with legislators as we continue to grow, evolve, and meet the changing needs of those we serve.”

“Expanding access to out-of-school-time programs would provide essential benefits to both families and youth who want to participate in programs, but currently do not have access to one,” added J.R. Kenny, Director of Government Relations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
 

The YMCA Alliance of Northern New England invites the public and all interested stakeholders to attend the April 8 hearing and show their support for L.D. 1389 and the future of out-of-school time programming in Maine.