In the News
LePage’s go-it-alone attitude leads to missed economic opportunities
Let’s work together on jobs without making the unemployed scapegoats and excluding nonprofits. For nearly three years, our country and state have struggled to climb out of a stagnant economy. Lawmakers across the country and in Maine have scrambled for the right solution. Even in our own state, Gov. LePage has told us that one...
Maine Democrats Come Out Swinging
… “Republicans in the legislature backed the governor and his extreme policies time after time. They voted against protecting our children from bullies in schools. They voted to roll back child labor protections. They voted to limit access to family planning for women,†said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond, speaking at Thursday’s event. “They...
Portland-area schools stand to lose millions in state funding
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said the bill stands to benefit its sponsor the most. “Twenty-eight out of the 35 senators are losing money or have some split districts, where some are losing and some are gaining money,” Alfond said. “For those 28 senators who woke up (June 30) with split districts, you’re going to...
Maine Education Funding Formula Changes Spark Relief, Worry
… “Get ready for pink slips. Get ready for pink slips in your district,” state Sen. Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat told colleagues. Alfond is one of 28 state lawmakers representing areas that will lose education dollars when the new funding scheme takes effect a little over a year from now. During debate on the...
Maine Senate says no to gambling, yes to charter schools
… Senators unceremoniously passed a controversial bill to allow charter schools in Maine. Opponents say they were prepared. “I’m not surprised, it had the votes to pass,” Sen. Justin Alfond said. “But I’m very disappointed. We were sent up here to make tough choices, budgets are tight, and what we’ve done is added new bureaucracy,...
Energy, educational reform are relevant issues for LePage
… Don’t be deceived. Maine seethes with discontent. Senator Alfond is “…frankly tired of all the slogans†and is “looking for results.†Although it’s surprising to hear of a politician who’s tired of slogans, it’s not surprising to hear that he is still looking for results. Days have gone by since the budget was passed...
