Senate District 34
Joe Rafferty
Senate District 34
The Latest
Senator Rafferty introduces bill to support environmental education in Maine
AUGUSTA — On April 25, 2025, Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, introduced LD 1543, “An Act to Establish the Maine Green Schools Network,” during a public hearing for the bill in the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. The bill aims to enhance environmental education and...
Governor Mills signs Sen. Rafferty bill to protect survivors of domestic abuse
AUGUSTA — On April 11, 2025, Governor Janet Mills signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk. The bill, LD 586, “An Act to Provide a Court Authority to Issue Proximity Restrictions in Protection from Abuse Orders,” will strengthen enforcement of protection orders for...
Senator Joe Rafferty, better known to his neighbors as Coach Raff, graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Physical Education. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college. He went on to pursue a successful career in education that continues to this day. Since 1978, Joe’s goal has been to provide his students and players the support they need to become the leaders he knows they can be — no matter the path they choose in life.
Throughout his career, Joe worked diligently for fellow educators in local and state associations. From 1984 until his retirement in 2018, he was a strong advocate and voice for teachers, serving in various capacities: as President of the Teacher’s Union, Building Representative on the Executive Committee and Chief Negotiator on the contract negotiation team. He approached negotiations with an eye toward two goals many Mainers seek — to earn a living wage and have access to affordable health care.
Though retired, Joe continues to be an active member of the community. This fall was his 42nd season as the Head Football Coach of the Kennebunk Rams. When not coaching, he continues to work in the school district as a substitute teacher and bus driver.
Joe and his wife and fellow educator, Norma, live in Kennebunk. Together they raised three daughters, each a graduate of Kennebunk High School.