Maddy summaryThis bill provides a one-time 5% increase in retirement benefits for Maine state employees and teachers to help them keep up with inflation. The legislation includes a specific 2% adjustment for the 2022-23 fiscal year and establishes a permanent mechanism that automatically matches Social Security cost-of-living adjustments up to a 3% annual cap, though this permanent increase only applies to the portion of benefits up to a set dollar limit. To fund these changes, the state will allocate $182 million from the General Fund to cover the additional costs associated with the one-time adjustment. The bill is designated as an emergency measure, meaning it takes effect immediately upon approval rather than waiting for the standard 90-day period.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Maine to issue up to $50,000,000 in bonds to fund capital improvements for nonprofit arts and cultural facilities. The funds would be distributed through the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council to support upgrades and construction projects for these organizations across the state. Before the money can be spent, the bill must be approved by voters in a statewide referendum held after its passage. If approved, the bonds would be repaid over a maximum of 10 years using state funds, with any leftover money eventually used to pay off other state debts.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maine Department of Education to distribute $2 million in grants over two years to school districts for implementing innovative learning strategies. The funds aim to help close achievement gaps by prioritizing schools that partner with professional organizations or universities and provide data on improving outcomes for economically disadvantaged students, racial and ethnic minorities, and those impacted by pandemic restrictions. The legislation appropriates $2,000,000 for the 2023-24 fiscal year and another $2,000,000 for 2024-25 to support these educational initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis legislative amendment modifies a bill to direct the Maine Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to study placing child care facilities in all schools, rather than limiting the study to secondary schools only. The change involves removing the word "secondary" from multiple sections of the original text to broaden the scope of the investigation. Additionally, the amendment includes a new section that allocates $300,000 from the General Fund for the 2023-24 fiscal year to provide one-time funding for this study.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Community School Program in Maine by removing the limit on how many schools the Department of Education can designate. Under the new rules, the department can select up to three schools starting in 2016-2017, five in 2020-2021, ten in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, and any number of additional schools beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. To support this expansion, the state will provide funding to the schools and may hire a coordinator to manage the program. The department must also publish application details and deadlines on its website for interested school districts.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides a one-time appropriation of $50,000 from the state's General Fund to the Maine Indian Education School District for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The funds are designated to support the development and implementation of a Wabanaki-centered curriculum specifically for Native American high school students. The money will be used to cover costs related to curriculum creation, staff, transportation, and support services for the pilot program.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends a previous resolution by removing its emergency preamble and emergency clause. The change is procedural and does not alter the core directive to have the Department of Health and Human Services study the shortage of licensed clinical behavioral health professionals across Maine. By eliminating the emergency language, the bill ensures the study request follows standard legislative procedures rather than expedited ones.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Maine to issue up to $100 million in bonds to fund infrastructure improvements across all campuses of the University of Maine System. The funds are intended to upgrade classrooms, laboratories, and residence halls to increase student enrollment, enhance success rates, and better meet the needs of local employers. The legislation requires that these bond proceeds be matched by private and other non-state funds and mandates that the projects align with existing university capital plans. Before the money can be spent, the bill must be approved by voters in a statewide referendum held after the legislation is passed. If approved, the bond issue becomes effective 30 days after the Governor proclaims the results of the vote.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program for the 2024-2025 school year requiring schools serving students in grades 6 through 12 to provide menstrual products like tampons and pads at no cost. To help cover these expenses, the Department of Education will reimburse school districts for 90% of the costs incurred to purchase the products and will also fund coinless dispensers installed in school bathrooms until the allocated money runs out. The Department of Education is required to submit a report by January 15, 2026, detailing the number of schools that received reimbursement, the total amount spent, and recommendations for making this access permanent. The program is funded through a one-time appropriation of $300,000 from the General Fund.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing outdoor education program to require providers to follow state licensing rules for guides and trip leaders. Specifically, it mandates that anyone leading outdoor school activities in Maine must hold the appropriate licenses for guides, youth camp leaders, or educational trip leaders as defined by state law. The change ensures that all participants in the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program are supervised by qualified, licensed professionals.