AUGUSTA - Rep. Thom Harnett, D-Gardiner, and Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, have each received a 100% rating on votes to support Maine's education professionals and schools, according to a recent scorecard released by the Maine Education Association (MEA).
"Providing all of our young people with a quality education is one of the most important functions of government," said Harnett. "I am proud to support our teachers and all involved in education, and I thank them for their service."
"Growing up in a family of educators, and being the beneficiary of Maine's public education system, I understand how important quality teachers are to Maine"s next generation," said Hasenfus. "That is why I voted in support of quality pay and retirement benefits for our teachers, increased testing for and prevention of lead in school drinking water and fully funding the states 55% share of K-12 public education costs."
MEA scored legislators' votes this year on key bills related to Maine's schools, educators and students, including the two-year state budget. The budget fulfilled the state's commitment to fund 55% of local education costs, set aside funds to keep school meals free for all students and increased funding for higher education. Among several other pieces of legislation that the organization scored, MEA included bills to keep students and staff healthy by updating school air quality and ventilation standards, ensure schools drinking water is clean and safe, invest federal aid in our education system and require fair wages for school support staff.
Harnett is serving his second term in the Maine House and represents the Town of Farmingdale and City of Gardiner. He is the House chair of the Judiciary Committee.
Hasenfus is serving his first term in the Maine House and serves on the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee. He represents the communities of Readfield, Winthrop and part of Monmouth.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Harnett, Hasenfus], c. 812-1111