Learning about the Law

February trip- We prepped for our trip to Augusta to learn about the Maine State Legislature.  We met many leaders including Senate President Troy Jackson, who charmed us with his story of his Mom beginning a teaching career with the whopping salary of $15,000 and how he topped that right out of high school as a logger!  

Ed Cervone gave us an informative overview of the state budget process.


Many of us were a little uncertain about what it would be like to testify in front of a committee, but I'm happy to report we all survived the process!

We also were joined by the Maine Teacher of the Year nominees, here was my group that debated  LD 1373 "An Act to Keep All Students Safe by Restricting the Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Schools"

It was interesting to see that our group did not vote the same as the legislature did!

We learned more about what the process is really like from State Representative Dave McCrea.  


The overall message of the day was really positive and encouraged all of us to make a difference by getting involved, now and in the future.  Some of the retired educators who now serve in the legislature told us how they feel like they are making a difference, just like they used to when they worked in schools.

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