One of the biggest differences in the successful budget passed by the Legislature, compared to Gov. Paul LePage’s original budget proposal, is the inclusion of a provision to incrementally increase state funding for public education to a target of 55 percent. It’s estimated that increasing the state’s share by 1 percent per year will cost about $20 million annually and take eight to 10 years. Below are some additional differences between the governor’s proposal and Legislature’s final budget.
Governor’s budget
Jobs for Maine’s Graduates: $5.29 million
Bridge Year Program: $2 million
Proficiency based diploma transition: $4 million
Educator effectiveness plan phase-in: $5 million
School improvement grants: $3 million
Direct public school funding: $844 million
Net funding after districts pay teacher pensions: $815 million
Legislature’s budget
Jobs for Maine’s Graduates: $4.69 million
Bridge Year Program: $500,000
Proficiency based diploma transition: $4 million
Educator effectiveness plan phase-in: $0
School improvement grants: $0
Direct public school funding: $870 million
Net funding after districts pay teacher pensions: $844 million
Source: Maine Department of Education