The citizen initiative to allow Maine seniors and people with disabilities to stay in their homes and receive needed care cleared a legislative hurdle in the Maine House of Representatives April 3, with a 75-68 vote to send the measure directly to voters.

"This vote gives hope to Maine families who are making impossible choices to care for their loved ones, seniors who are afraid of losing their independence and homecare workers who do vital jobs for little pay," said Mainers for Homecare communications director Mike Tipping, in a news release. "Maine people will now have a chance to cast a ballot on one of the most important issues facing our aging state."

The Homecare for All initiative will guarantee access to in-home care for all seniors and Mainers with disabilities who need assistance with an activity of daily living. The program is funded by partially closing a payroll tax loophole that only benefits those making more than $128,400 a year in individual income. Hundreds of volunteers gathered more than 65,000 signatures to place the measure on the ballot this November.