In the News
LePage’s teacher evaluation bill hits Legislature to mixed reviews
… The Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee spent more than four hours Wednesday afternoon hearing from dozens of stakeholders on both sides of the issue. At one point, Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, called the measure “the ultimate penalty for teachers,†while Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen told the committee that “no other bill you’ve heard...
Education committee to hold public hearings on LePage’s controversial reform bills
… The first bill removes one sentence from state law that says public dollars cannot be used to fund private, religious schools. Bowen and LePage said removing that sentence simply provides another opportunity for students who want a certain type of education. Any students can go to a religious school currently but they must pay...
Maine Senate Rejects Clean Election Fund Fixes
… Assistant Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat, told Senate Republicans that the failure to provide some way for a Clean Election candidate in a targeted race to receive additional money was completely contradictory to the law’s goal of reducing the influence of special interests in elections. “Are we excited to bring more...
Democrats, teachers union see plot to stifle debate in delayed education bills
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said the administration had demonstrated a pattern of delaying hearings on controversial bills. “These bills come out, they’re complicated and contentious, and all of a sudden the input from the public and from the committee will be limited,” Alfond said. “There’s a very short period of time before these bills...
Maine Voices: When it comes to kids, LePage’s actions don’t match his rhetoric
PORTLAND – Who wouldn’t agree with “putting kids first”? Educating and investing in students are priorities that cross political parties. Over the last few weeks, Gov. LePage has attended a series of events where he’s repeated, “It’s all about the kids.” And while the governor’s rhetoric is received favorably with applause, in reality, his actions,...
State funding program likely won’t save Portland’s aging Hall School
PORTLAND, Maine — Portland city and school officials should not hold out hope for state aid to replace the aging Fred P. Hall School, state Sen. Justin Alfond said Monday. But there still may be hope to secure funding for more repairs at Longfellow and Presumpscot elementary schools, the Portland Democrat said. Alfond, speaking before...
