NEW SCHOOL EVALUATION MEASURE RECEIVES STRONG PUBLIC ENDORSEMENT
Senator Millett sponsors bill to create an informative and accurate evaluation system for Maine schools AUGUSTA- A measure that outlines a fair system to evaluate Maine schools received a public hearing this week by the state’s education committee. The evaluation measure is intended to replace the flawed school “grading system” implemented by the LePage administration...
STATE SENATE ENACTS WORKFORCE BILL
Maine’s first-of-its-kind skills gap solution moves closer to law AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate enacted a first-of-its-kind measure addressing the skills gap and workforce training. “There is no better example of what can happen when we work together for the betterment of this state,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland who is also the...
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND WORKFORCE BILL GAINS INITIAL APPROVAL FROM MAINE SENATE
AUGUSTA—The Senate gave initial approval to Maine’s first-of-its-kind workforce measure addressing the skills gap and workforce training. LD 90, ”An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future,” is an omnibus piece of legislation that renews the partnership between government, education, workers, and businesses, and addresses the specific factors contributing to the skills gap. “By passing this...
DEMOCRATS PRAISE TEACHERS
Pass Joint Resolution in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day AUGUSTA- Earlier today, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, the Senate and House unanimously passed a Joint Resolution in support of Maine’s teachers. “While we should celebrate our teachers every day, it’s nice to have a special day devoted to honoring and thanking our teachers for...
MAINE’S WORKFORCE PANEL PASSES COMPREHENSIVE MEASURE ADDRESSING MAINE’S SKILLS GAP AND WORKFORCE CHALLENGES
First of its kind legislation gets green-light AUGUSTA—The Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future unanimously passed a comprehensive measure addressing Maine’s skills gap and workforce challenges. LD 90, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future,” is an omnibus piece of legislation that renews the partnership between government, education,...
SENATE DEMOCRATS CONDEMN SCHOOL “SCARLET LETTER” GRADES
Grading system is a flawed, biased PR-gimmick AUGUSTA—Senate Democrats condemned the “A” to “F” school grading system announced by Governor Paul LePage and Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen this afternoon. “It is shameful that the governor once again divides our state—this time with another attack on education. This proposal does nothing to help students and instead...
MEASURE TO FEED HUNGRY STUDENTS DURING SUMMER BREAK RECEIVES BROAD SUPPORT
Senate President introduces bill to ensure hungry students are fed during summer months AUGUSTA – Senate President Justin Alfond (D-Portland) introduced a bill today to help feed hungry students during the summer months when school is not in session. “Today across our state, students are going hungry. There are children who aren’t getting...
COMMITTEE ENDORSES BAN ON HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES
AUGUSTA—Maine’s Criminal Justice Committee in a vote of 7—6 supported President Justin Alfond’s measure to ban the possession of high capacity magazines. “Since the recent spate of violence in our country, we can no longer put off making tough decisions. Times have changed,” said President Alfond. “And the committee was courageous in their support of a...
TOP LAWMAKERS CONDEMN LEPAGE WORKER INTIMIDATION
Leaders call on Maine Department of Labor to repudiate LePage’s actions AUGUSTA — Democratic leaders of the Maine State Legislature called on the Maine Department of Labor to condemn alleged intimidating and threatening remarks made by Governor Paul LePage to state employees serving as neutral hearing officers in unemployment arbitration cases. LePage’s remarks were first...
LAWMAKERS HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON FIREARM PROPOSALS
Bills sponsored by President Alfond and Senator Gerzofsky reviewed AUGUSTA—Lawmakers on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee began public hearings this morning on several bills concerning firearms, including those sponsored by Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland, and Senator Stan Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick. President Alfond’s bill would ban and make a Class D crime...
SENATE VOTES TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE
Honest day’s work should be rewarded with honest day’s pay AUGUSTA—Earlier today, the Senate passed legislation to increase the minimum wage in Maine with a vote of 19—16. The measure will increase the minimum wage of $7.50 per hour by 50 cents—about the cost of a postage stamp. “We have a lot of slogans...
Weekly Radio Address: Alfond says: Any plan to pay off hospital debt should also address the cost drivers contributing to our pricey bills
Weekly Radio Address: Senate President Justin Alfond Good Morning. This is Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland. Earlier this week, Democrats announced a plan for hospital repayment and hospital reform. We believe the two go hand in hand: We must pay our bills—and also, address the high cost of health care. To do one, without...
