Sen. Lawrence receives perfect score on education record
AUGUSTA — Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, earned a 100 percent from the Maine Education Association for his voting record on education issues. Sen. Lawrence is one of 16 state senators to earn a perfect score from MEA for their 2021 voting record.
“We owe so much to our teachers, school staff and everyone who works to support our education system. The quality of the education a child can receive in Maine plays a key role in the future of our state and the health of our economy,” said Sen. Lawrence. “I am proud to have received a perfect score from MEA for my record on education. As I continue my work in Augusta, I will always fight for our educators and students.”
This year, Sen. Lawrence 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. Lawrence also voted in favor of bills to ensure a good starting wage for school support staff including education technicians, 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. Lawrence supported two appropriations bills that helped secure funding for our schools. He supported the biennial budget, which provided 55 percent state funding for public education, increased the state contribution for the University of Maine and Community College systems and provided funding for free meals for all Maine students. Additionally, he supported LD 1733, which appropriated nearly $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan and included an amendment that increased the amount the state pays for retired teachers’ and education technicians’ heath care 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. Lawrence 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.
