House GOP plan seeks to solve the problems in education not simply throw money at it

Maine House Republicans have put forward a 2-year budget that is a reasonable compromise in hopes that all parties can agree. The new proposal includes $125 million in new education funding along with significant education and economic reforms we believe will move Maine forward.

House Republicans have been consistent in their position that they would only support additional education funds if they were accompanied by significant reforms.

Some of the highlights of the House GOP proposal:

• Full repeal of the 3 percent surcharge

• Voluntary Statewide Teacher Contract Pilot Program – LD 864

• Education Salary Benefit Fund – This fund will helps equalize pay for teachers in rural, less affluent districts (Language Attached)

• House GOP budget puts $10 million toward the Section 21 and 29 waitlists

• Current law, exempts pension income up to $5,000. The House GOP plan increases that tax exemption on pension income $5,000 per year until it reaches $35,000.

• Eliminates $5 million in funding for general assistance for non-citizens.

• Eliminates hundreds of unfilled positions within state government.

“After weeks of negotiations between the four caucuses and the governor, House Republicans have put forward a good faith offer to help close the 2-year state budget,” said House Republican Leader Rep. Ken Fredette. “We believe this proposal strikes the right balance between education reforms and education funds in a way that allows the policy to drive the dollars.  We believe with this budget, we can close out the budget process before June 30.”