Sen. Baldacci receives perfect score on education voting record
AUGUSTA — Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, earned a 100 percent rating from the Maine Education Association for his voting record on legislation to support students, teachers and families. Sen. Baldacci is one of 19 state senators to earn a perfect score for their 2022 voting record from MEA.
“Our educators, students and their families have had to navigate great difficulties over the last few years,” said Sen. Baldacci. “Our education system creates future leaders of our country, and I view the future with pride in and optimism for the capabilities of the next generation. I will do all that I can to ensure that teachers and students receive the assistance they need to make our education system successful.”
This year, Sen. Baldacci voted to continue funding free, universal school meals, fully fund education at 55 percent, invest in career and technical education, and provide two years of free community college for Maine high school graduates from the graduating classes of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. In addition, he supported the creation of an Education Rainy Day Fund to ensure the state is able to continue funding K-12 public education at the 55 percent threshold. Last year marked the first time in the state’s history that the Legislature met this threshold, which was mandated by Maine voters at the ballot box in 2004. This fund will ensure the Legislature fulfills its obligation and will alleviate the burden that often falls on property taxpayers.
Sen. Baldacci also voted in favor of bills to expand family and medical leave protections for hourly school employees and ensure that teachers can take time off for COVID-related illness even if they don’t have accrued leave.
MEA represents 24,000 Maine teachers and advocates for policies and investments that ensure that educators’ voices, values and priorities are heard and respected both in the workplace and at the State House.
In the Legislature Sen. Baldacci remains committed to fighting for Maine students, teachers and school staff.
The 2022 Maine legislative scorecard from MEA can be found here.
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