Education Republicans oppose cutting vocational education to fund more bureaucrats 

STATEHOUSE – Republican members of the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted unanimously to fully fund Maine Career & Technical Education (CTE) schools. Governor Mills has proposed cutting CTE schools and adding 36 new hires at the Maine Department of Education, 16 of which are non-teaching positions to “build staffing capacity.”

Committee Republicans voted for $3.89 million in CTE funding, Democrats are recommending $1.55 million. The proposed addition of just the 16 non-teaching positions at the Maine Department of Education will cost $2.6 million over the biennium.  

For Republicans, it is about prioritizing students and classrooms over adding Augusta bureaucrats,” said Rep. Heidi Sampson (R-Alfred). “Maine needs skilled workers and opportunities for young people to stay in Maine. Maine Career & Technical Education schools are crucial to our future.” 

“Everyone agrees that workforce development is a priority,” said Rep. Shelley Rudnicki (R-Fairfield). Instead of investing in Career and Technical Schools, Governor Mills wants to add 36 new hires, 16 of which are non-teaching positions to “build staffing capacity” in Augusta. We should invest in our students and classrooms to build a better future for all of Maine.”