Committee unanimously approves Sen. Rafferty bill to address and improve student learning affected by COVID-19

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, March 3, the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, that will address and improve student learning affected by COVID-19. An amended version of the bill, LD 1962, “An Act To Increase Learning Potential by Providing High-impact Tutoring Grants,” passed unanimously with a vote of 11-0 by the committee members present.

“We have heard a lot about the negative COVID-19 impacts on our schools, students and teachers. I hear it from the people I work with. I hear it from my wife Norma who still teaches part time, and the impact is clear,” said Sen. Rafferty. “What wasn’t initially clear, however, is what we could do about it. I began looking at ways we could address this issue and opportunities we could create to help our students recover. I am pleased with how this bill is shaping out, and I hope we can continue to move it through the legislative process. I am thankful that our committee voted to support our students today.”

As amended, LD 1962 would address learning gaps which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would do so by establishing the Innovative Instruction and Tutoring Grant Program Fund within the Department of Education and directing the department to use federal funds for the program. LD 1962 would support educators, improve academic outcomes for Maine students and help teachers reach students that have fallen behind to get back on track.

LD 1962 now faces votes in the House and Senate.