Senator Chipman receives perfect score on education record

AUGUSTA — Senator Ben Chipman, D-Portland, earned a score of 100 percent from the Maine Education Association for his voting record on education issues. Senator Chipman is one of 16 state senators to earn a perfect score from MEA for their 2021 voting records.

“Supporting our educators is a big priority for me,” said Senator Chipman. “Portland has the state’s largest school district, and stepping up for educators means stepping up for children. Investing in our capital improvements, increasing fair wages for support staff and boosting our curriculum directly translate to the success of future generations of Maine families.”

This year, Senator Chipman 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. Senator Chipman 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.

Senator Chipman supported legislation to improve collective bargaining negotiations for teachers and protect teachers’ privacy as they provide remote instruction. Investing in the working conditions for teachers ensures that teachers can focus on educating Maine children. Senator Chipman also supported legislation to boost investments in capital improvements to schools, improve air ventilation systems and review the drinking water testing standards. Across the Portland Public Schools, 38 were constructed before 1930 with three-quarters of capital improvements necessary because the systems had simply gotten too old. Investing in the Revolving School Renovation Fund helps the district meet its goal of more than 20 percent of the district’s square footage being modernized by 2024.

Senator Chipman also championed legislation to incorporate African-American history into public school curricula and implement equity and diversity training for educators. Portland has one of Maine’s most racially diverse districts, with nearly 50 percent of students identifying as non-white. Implementing diversity programs helps educators best serve students and accommodate their needs.

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.

Senator Chipman 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.

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