Sen. Diamond receives high score on education voting record

AUGUSTA — Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, earned high marks from the Maine Education Association for his voting record on legislation to support students, teachers, and families.

“As a former teacher, principal and school superintendent, I know how critical it is that lawmakers support our public education system, so that teachers and students can succeed,” said Sen. Diamond. “This Legislature has made remarkable strides forward in education policy, and after the last couple difficult years, it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m grateful and proud of the work we accomplished together.”

This year, Sen. Diamond 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 the threshold 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.

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.

The 2022 Maine legislative scorecard from MEA can be found here.