Sen. Dill votes to send investments in transportation to Maine voters for approval

AUGUSTA —Sen. Jim Dill, D-Old Town, joined colleagues in the Legislature to send a transportation bond proposal to Maine voters for their approval this November. This proposal funds critical investments in Maine’s roads and bridges. The vote was unanimous in the Senate and 127-8 in the House of Representatives.

Unfortunately, Republican lawmakers prevented Maine voters from getting a chance to decide on investments in broadband, career and technical education, state parks and working waterfronts and National Guard facilities, and low-interest loans to curb energy costs and promote efficiency.

“Voters deserve the final say on the bonds,” said Sen. Dill. “While I’m glad we were able to move the transportation bond forward, I’m particularly disappointed that voters will not have a say on whether the state makes investments in our career and technical education centers, rural broadband and other important infrastructure.”

In November, Maine voters will consider a bond that invests $105 million in transportation projects. These funds will support repairs, upgrades and routine maintenance for Maine highways, bridges, culverts and working waterfronts. It will also contribute to good-paying jobs in the construction industry. Several reports indicate that construction workers are standing by and ready to do this work so Mainers can safely go to school, work, and about their daily lives.

The transportation bond will now appear before all Maine voters on the ballot in November.