Education
Teachers and students, administrators and parents, have responded to the uncertainties posed by the pandemic with compassion, purpose and dedication. Ensuring a valuable educational experience for all Maine students—pre-school, K-12, and in our public colleges and universities—is my top priority.
Meeting Immediate and Future Challenges: Coronavirus has brought childcare, education and children’s physical and emotional health to the forefront. It has also elevated concerns about quality affordable childcare as a critical factor in Maine’s economic recovery. I will advocate for legislation and fiscal policies that make sure childcare providers can continue to serve their essential role for Maine families, that allow teachers and students to return safely to classrooms, and that enable parents to work participate in Maine’s economic recovery.
Budgeting For Education: I’m proud to have voted in favor of a budget that supports funding K-12 education in important ways. We increased the state share of education funding to over 50%, adding $115 million for local education. Recognizing the importance of attracting and retaining talented teachers, we created a path toward a $40,000 minimum teacher salary, which includes reimbursing towns so the cost will not impact local budgets. We allocated $18 million to the school renovation fund for security and other improvements to buildings. We also supported programs to feed more hungry children, which will improve educational outcomes.
Food Shaming: It’s unfair to use food as a punishment. I co-sponsored this bill, and now a law ensures all children will receive the same nutritious meals whether they can pay or not, and their schools will work out payment issues with responsible adults. "An Act To Prevent Food Shaming in Maine's Public Schools,” LD167, prohibits public schools from treating students who cannot pay for a meal or owe for meals differently than other students.
Tobacco and E Cigarettes: In 2018 we learned about the prevalence of e-cigarettes in Maine’s middle and high schools. I was honored to be lead co-sponsor of Sen. Rebecca Millett’s bill, “An Act To Prohibit the Possession and Use of Electronic Smoking Devices on School Grounds.” LD 152 responded to this crisis by including e-cigarettes and products in the existing ban of tobacco products on K-12 school grounds.
I’m a strong advocate of public education. My experience has led me especially to value our schools from two perspectives, those of a parent and of a lawmaker. As a parent I wore many hats during Lily, Rosie and Paul’s collective 39 years in Maine’s public school system, from room parent to volunteer lacrosse coach to swim team treasurer. I understand the importance of consistently working in partnership with students, teachers and school districts to support their important work. As a lawmaker, I see the vital connection between promoting public education and improving the economic wellbeing of all Mainers. I’m proud of my record on education and look forward to continuing my advocacy.