Munjoy Hill Observer - September 2009
September 1, 2009 -
Hi Munjoy Hill,
Summertime if finally here! I hope everyone is enjoying the warm and sunny days. For Legislators, summer is a time to be in our communities while responsibilities in Augusta are minimal.
Even though I have fewer commutes to Augusta, I have been busy this summer with legislative work. First, I attended three conferences: the Emerging Political Leaders Conference in Virginia, the First Annual Maine Prevention Dropout Summit in Orono, and the New England Secondary School Consortium in New Hampshire. These conferences are helping build my knowledge and skills around leadership and best educational practices.
Second, I have been going to Augusta to monitor the Appropriations Committee work. Their task is to find $30 million dollars in state inefficiencies for the 2011 budget. Almost every State Department is presenting to the Committee with the end goal of isolating structural changes and savings.
As you may know, Education and Health and Human Services account for approximately 80% of our state budget, so predictably both agencies have been spending a lot of time in front of the Committee. Additionally, the Department of Labor, Corrections and Maine Revenue Services have been sharing their ideas for better operations, structural changes and savings.
As Chair of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, I am keenly interested in the discussion points thus far. Here are some highlights:
* A report by the consulting company McKinsey & Company, “Maine Delivering Efficient Government,” highlights that we can save between $30-50 million. The trend I see is that the State’s funding formula of how we calculate money to each district might change, possibly negatively affecting Portland.
* The University of Maine System shared their “New Challenges, New Directions” report. It boldly states that they must change how public education is delivered in Maine while also saving over $100 million in the next four years. The trend I am seeing is that our seven public universities will no longer be working in isolation, resulting in less duplication and more specialization at each campus.
* The American Recovery Reinvestment Act brought over $300 million into Maine. A report shows how every K-12 district has spent their funds. Some common uses are: saving the money for next year’s budget; putting it toward special education; making renovations and repairs; and general funding of programs. The trend I see is that school superintendents understand the next two years are going to be tough and are investing in long-term investments rather than introducing new programs.
Finally, I have spent time in Augusta with the Education Committee for confirmation nominations to the Maine Maritime Academy and Community College Board of Trustees. As you read this, the State Senate will have voted on dozens of new confirmations to boards across the State.
I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this, and encourage you to contact me about anything in this article or any other issue that concerns you. Please send me an email at Justin@JustinAlfond.com or visit my website, www.JustinAlfond.com.
