Sen. Daughtry introduces bill to fund improvements at Maine’s community colleges

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, introduced a bill to fund repairs and improvements for the Maine Community College System (MCCS). LD 1074, “An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Fund the Maine Community College System,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

“Maine’s community colleges are critical for developing, modernizing and training our state’s workforce,” said Sen. Daughtry. “These funds will help community colleges train thousands of Maine workers in industries from health care and precision machining to heat pump installation and welding. We have a responsibility to help ensure that students can learn in appropriate spaces and safe environments that prepare them for their futures.”

LD 503 would provide $50 million for general repairs, deferred maintenance items, and modernization of campus buildings and education equipment at all seven campuses of MCCS.

In 2018, the Legislature approved – and Maine voters supported – a $15 million bond for MCCS. More recently, Maine Jobs and Recovery Funds helped MCCS launch or ramp up hundreds of new training programs. These COVID-19 funds could not be used to repair, renovate or replace the aging infrastructure at MCCS campuses and satellite locations. Part II of the biennial budget includes proposals for free community college and wage increases – but not HVAC, roof or sidewalk improvement and replacement projects.

The bill faces further action in committee.

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