Maine Educators Give Collins an A

Press Release

Maine Educators Give Collins an A

Statewide coalition of educators back Susan Collins for U.S. Senate

In recognition of her unwavering dedication to raising education standards, and long-standing commitment to Maine's teachers, today educators from across the state pledged their support for Susan Collins for the United States Senate.

"Susan Collins is, and will continue to be, a strong and consistent advocate for education, for students, and for all of us teachers in the U.S. Senate," said Marilyn Melton, Co-Chair of Educators for Collins, and a fourth grade teacher at East End Community School in Portland. "Susan understands the needs of Maine's teachers, she pledged to work hard on our behalf, and she has lived up to that promise. Now, we pledge to work hard on her behalf."

"Susan Collins truly understands the importance of a good education. A good education requires good teachers, and good teachers require the support of those at the highest levels of government. Susan has always fought for us," said Diane Hayes, Co-Chair of Educators for Collins, and a second grade teacher at Fourteenth Street School in Bangor.

The National Education Association (NEA) gives Senator Collins an "A" for her strong support of public education and educators. This grade, the highest possible, is based on her long voting record in the U.S. Senate, her cosponsorship of legislation critical to NEA's identified legislative priorities, accessibility, and effective behind-the-scenes advocacy.

Senator Collins has always made it a priority to visit Maine schools, often reading to young children and encouraging them to learn to read. To date, Senator Collins has visited more than 160 schools statewide.

"By investing in education, we invest in the future of our country," said Senator Collins. "Throughout my time in the United States Senate, I have made it a priority to invest in education, to expand access to higher education, and to support our talented and dedicated teachers. Despite their challenging jobs and modest salaries, Maine's teachers work hard each and every day to provide a quality education for all students, helping them to realize their full potential. I am honored to receive their support and promise to continue to work to make a difference on their behalf."

SENATOR COLLINS' PROVEN RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT ON EDUCATION:
--Senator Collins authored legislation, which became law in 2002, to provide a $250 tax deduction for teachers who spend their own income on school supplies for their classrooms. In addition, she has authored legislation that would increase the deduction to $400 and extend the deduction to included qualified professional development expenses.
--Co-Chair of the Senate Rural Education Caucus, Senator Collins created the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) to provide financial assistance to small and high poverty rural districts to help them address local needs and meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Law. Since 2002, Maine schools have received more than $10.5 million under this program.
--Senator Collins joined Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in introducing the "Social Security Fairness Act," which would repeal two unfair provisions of the Social Security Act that penalize retired Maine educators.
--A long time supporter of Pell grants, Senator Collins has led bipartisan efforts in the Senate to increase Pell grant funding. As a result of her efforts, the maximum Pell grant award was increased to $4,310 in 2007, and is expected to increase to $4,435 this year, helping to ensure access to quality higher education to all students, regardless of financial means.
--Senator Collins coauthored legislation, with Senator Olympia J. Snowe, that recommended reforms in the No Child Left Behind law after commissioning a Maine task force to examine issues facing our state under this law.
--Senator Collins spearheaded a bipartisan effort in the Senate to increase funding for TRIO programs which identify low-income and potential first-generation college students and provide them with the assistance to help them achieve their educational goals.

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