In the News
Schools hit by federal budget cuts
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, the only Democratic senator on the Legislature’s Education Committee, said the state should seek to make sure cuts have as little impact as possible on students in the classroom. “I think that many here in Maine hope that bipartisan solutions can come forth from D.C.,” he said. “If they don’t...
Maine Lawmakers Decide What’s In, What’s Out, in Upcoming Session
… The total could be ramped up, depending on how much legislation the governor submits to the Legislature. Although Raye says fewer new bills should allow the Legislature to adjourn in April, Democratic Assistant Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond, of Portland, emphasized that the bills that will be coming down the pipeline are complex and...
LePage’s go-it-alone attitude leads to missed economic opportunities
Let’s work together on jobs without making the unemployed scapegoats and excluding nonprofits. For nearly three years, our country and state have struggled to climb out of a stagnant economy. Lawmakers across the country and in Maine have scrambled for the right solution. Even in our own state, Gov. LePage has told us that one...
Maine Democrats Come Out Swinging
… “Republicans in the legislature backed the governor and his extreme policies time after time. They voted against protecting our children from bullies in schools. They voted to roll back child labor protections. They voted to limit access to family planning for women,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond, speaking at Thursday’s event. “They...
Portland-area schools stand to lose millions in state funding
… Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said the bill stands to benefit its sponsor the most. “Twenty-eight out of the 35 senators are losing money or have some split districts, where some are losing and some are gaining money,” Alfond said. “For those 28 senators who woke up (June 30) with split districts, you’re going to...
Maine Education Funding Formula Changes Spark Relief, Worry
… “Get ready for pink slips. Get ready for pink slips in your district,” state Sen. Justin Alfond, a Portland Democrat told colleagues. Alfond is one of 28 state lawmakers representing areas that will lose education dollars when the new funding scheme takes effect a little over a year from now. During debate on the...
