Senate Majority Leaders Vitelli, Daughtry release statements on budget proposal

GUSTA – Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, released statements on Gov. Janet Mills’ budget proposal.

Sen. Eloise Vitelli:

“Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked to improve access to healthy food for Maine students. I’m glad to see funding for universal meals for K-12 students continue to be a priority for Gov. Mills. I’ve seen first-hand, through visits to schools in my district, the very real impact this has already had for kids, teachers and families. When children have access to filling, healthy meals, they can learn and grow to their full potential. As a former Head Start teacher, I was also glad to see funding for Pre-K and child care prioritized. Investments in our children are investments in our future, and these measures will help set a good standard for the budget negotiation process.”

Sen. Mattie Daughtry:

“Since I first ran for office, one of my biggest goals has been working to improve education and career opportunities for young Mainers. The Maine State Grant Program is one of the best tools we have in the state to make high education more affordable, and I’m glad to see Gov. Mills’ proposed expanded funding for this program in her budget. I’m also excited to see a proposal to expand the groundbreaking free community college program, which has already been life-changing for so many of Maine’s high school graduates and will go a long way to fill gaps in our workforce.”

The Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will begin holding public hearings on the Governor’s proposed supplemental and biennial budgets in the coming weeks. The schedule will available at mainelegislature.org/committee/#Committees/AFA.