FAIRFIELD — Maine’s colleges don’t have the space, the buildings, or the technology to train today’s workforce adequately, legislators and education leaders said Wednesday.

Standing amid 30-year-old machinery used to teach students at Kennebec Valley Community College, education leaders and Democratic lawmakers  touted the advantages of a $149.5 million jobs bond they said will provide a critically needed boost in teaching students to function in an increasingly technology-based industrial work environment.

The bond proposal, which legislators are expected to approve during a special session today, will go before voters in November.

Senate President Justin Alfond said Republicans deserve equal credit for coming together on the package, which includes $35.5 million for higher education. Republican leaders were not available for comment Wednesday afternoon.

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