Sen. Millett submits emergency education legislation  

AUGUSTA – Democratic Sen. Rebecca Millett, who represents South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and parts of Scarborough, has submitted two education-related emergency bills for the upcoming legislative session. The first proposal would promote post-secondary degree attainment in Maine, and the second bill would provide necessary budget flexibility.

Sen. Millett submitted LR 2320, “An Act to Promote Postsecondary Education Attainment and Degree Completion,” which would build off the recommendations of the Commission to Study College Affordability and College Completion in the 126th Legislature.

“Many other states across the country have put in place higher education attainment goals, and it is time Maine followed suit,” said Sen. Millett, who chaired the commission and serves on the Legislature’s Education and Culture Affairs Committee. “My hope is the legislation I have submitted will prevent Maine from being at a competitive disadvantage with those states when it comes to our workforce and economic future.”

The second bill submitted by Sen. Millett, LR 2329, “An Act to Facilitate the Use of State Education Subsidies,” would allow the school district to use special warrant articles to bridge potential funding gaps caused by the different budget calendars used by state and local governments.

“When I served on the local school board, one of my greatest frustrations was having to evaluate and approve a budget without knowing the amount of state funding,” said Sen. Millett. “This bill gives districts the flexibility they need to accurately vote on their local budgets.”

Both bills will be presented to the Legislative Council for its approval on Thursday, October 22. If approved by the Council, the Legislature will take up the legislation when they reconvene for the second session in January, 2016.

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