Unacceptable Budget Cuts

Maine Education Association

NEWSBRIEF
Leading the Way To Great Public Schools for Every Maine Student

Mark L. Gray, MEA Executive Director

Simply unacceptable

Although the economy of the State and the nation is having a negative impact, we cannot remain silent while Maine's system of public education from K through College is cut once again and, as a result, the quality of education being provided to students suffers.

It is simply unacceptable.

These reductions are not automatic ...we have the time at the local level to ask questions, demand budget information, organize community support, and negotiate over how reductions will be made and when they will be made.

Unacceptable Budget Cuts

National economic woes are hitting Maine's economy and that is prompting proposed cuts in state aid to K-12 schools, the University of Maine System, and the Community College System.

State revenue forecasters are predicting a $140 million shortfall for this year which is being translated into a $27.8 million cut for the Department of Education or a 2.75‰ reduction in anticipated state aid.

Virtually every school unit will experience a reduction in General Purpose Aid if the curtailment is implemented as proposed. Since the reductions to school units have been calculated by adjusting the local mill rate expectation upward, the reductions vary in dollar amounts and percentage impacts.

The largest reduction, in dollars, will be in Portland - more than $1.8 million – and the largest percentage reduction will be felt in Baileyville - 28.4‰.

In higher education the Community Colleges stand to lose $2.9 million while the University System drops $8.4 million.

For more information see the Commissioner's Letter. Use the links to find the printouts for each school district.

MEA's guidance on negotiations and dealing with proposed budget reductions will soon be provided to presidents and chief negotiators by email and on our website.

MPBN Colleagues Need Your Help

Our Association colleagues at Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) need your help in providing public interest television to viewers in Maine. You can contribute financial support or your time during their annual fund raising drives.

One of the most useful ways to help is by answering phones or entering pledges into computers during our periodic radio and television membership drives. MPBN's next television membership drive is Sunday, November 30th through Saturday, December 20th and you can volunteer at the Lewiston or Bangor studios.

To help, go to Maine Public Broadcasting, click on Support, then click on Membership, then click on Volunteer or, call Denis Howard at 800-884-1717, ext. 3099 in the volunteer office.

Discount Gifts

For discounts on your holiday shopping, check out the NEA Click & Save program covering a wide array of products and services. Once you join, you will receive weekly emails with the "special discount" of the week.