AUGUSTA – A measure sponsored by Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, that would continue funding the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) literacy and mathematics instruction grant program received initial support in the Maine House of Representatives on Monday. The vote was 77-64 with 64 Republican House members in opposition. On Tuesday, the measure was placed on the Legislature’s Special Appropriations Table by the Maine Senate.
Last year, the DOE received $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to create a grant program to promote best practices in reading. As amended, LD 324 would appropriate another $5 million in each year of the biennial budget to the DOE to continue its grant program to implement best teaching and educational practices for reading and math programs. Additionally, $1 million would be set aside for summer reading and math programs to help students better retain their skills. The DOE would also work with a national foundation to maximize private resources.
“The purpose of LD 324 is to create a more sustainable grant program to support our teachers in implementing best practices in reading and math instruction,” said Brennan. “I am pleased this bill will continue a program that has helped thousands of students read more proficiently and has trained hundreds of teachers in the best current methods for reading instruction. If passed into law, this bill will offer our schools and teachers more financial support to better prepare our students for future academic success.”
Brennan is serving his fourth consecutive term in the Maine House, having previously served four terms in the House and three in the Senate. He represents House District 115, which includes a portion of Portland. He serves on the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Brennan) | 305-965-2744