MAINE SENATE OVERRIDES GOVERNOR'S VETO

AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate voted today to override a veto of a bill that would help schools get paid for providing certain medically necessary services for special education students. The vote is the Senate’s first override of the governor’s 17 vetoes since he took office.

The veto was overturned by a vote of 35 – 0.

“This is a good bill and one that has had bipartisan support from the start,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Justin Alfond of Portland who also serves on the Education committee. “I am glad that my colleagues overturned the Governor’s veto so that Maine students can continue getting the services they need and schools will get paid.”

The bill seeks to improve the billing process for schools to receive federal funding for medically necessary services for special education students including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.