Sen. Dill receives high marks on education record
AUGUSTA — Sen. Jim Dill, D-Old Town, earned high marks from the Maine Education Association for his voting record on education issues. MEA scored 11 initiatives considered by the 130th Legislature.
“Our educators, school staff and students are the foundation of our society. The quality of the education we provide in Maine and the success of our students determines the future of our state and has a direct impact on the health of our economy. It is vital that our children receive a quality education and that those who attend college in Maine can live and work in our state following graduation,” said Sen. Dill. “I am incredibly proud of the work we did in the Legislature this session to support our education system.”
This year, Sen. Dill championed efforts to fully fund education at 55 percent for the first in the state’s history since it was mandated by voters in 2004. Sen. Dill also voted in favor a bill to ensure a good starting wage for school librarians and career and technical education teachers. Making sure these hardworking professionals are paid a fair wage will help schools attract and retain quality workers.
Sen. Dill supported two bills that increased funding for our education system this session. First, he supported LD 221, the biennial budget, which increased state funding for the University of Maine and the community college system and provided funding to give free meals to all students in Maine schools. He also supported LD 1733, which appropriated funds from the American Rescue Plan. This bill increased the amount the state pays for retired teachers and education technicians’ healthcare from 45 percent to 55 percent.
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.
Sen. Dill remains committed to fighting for Maine students, teachers and school staff in the Legislature.
The complete Maine legislative scorecard from MEA can be found here.
