Government

Sen. Ned Claxton earns high marks on education record

|Press release from MaineSenate.org|

AUGUSTA — Sen. Ned Claxton, D-Auburn, earned high marks from the Maine Education Association for his voting record on education issues.

“Our educators are critical to our children and Maine’s future as a whole,” said Sen. Claxton. “For too long, however, they have been underpaid and undervalued. That’s why I have been proud to do my part in the Legislature to raise teacher salaries, support their rights at the bargaining table, and to make sure our schools have ample resources to enable our students and educators to succeed.”

This year, Sen. Claxton championed efforts to fully fund education at 55 percent for the first in the state’s history since it was mandated by voters in 2004. Sen. Claxton also voted in favor of bills to ensure a good starting wage for school support staff including education technicians, school librarians, and career and technical education teachers. Making sure these hardworking professionals are paid a fair wage will help schools attract and retain quality workers. 

As chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Sen. Claxton helped pass a new law that enacts stricter lead testing guidelines for schools. Lead exposure can have detrimental effects on a child’s development. Sen. Claxton also sponsored a bill, which is now law, to ensure that if public employees’ contract expires before a new one is agreed upon, then the previously negotiated benefits will still apply.

MEA represents 24,000 Maine teachers and advocates for policies and investments that ensure that educators’ voices, values and priorities are heard and respected both in the workplace and at the State House.

Sen. Claxton remains committed to fighting for Maine students, teachers and school staff in the Legislature.

The complete Maine legislative scorecard from MEA can be found here.

November 12, 2021
Contact: Lisa Haberzettl, (207) 251-3548