More Than $9 Million for Childcare and Young Adult Education Programs Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $9,126,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for childcare and young adult education programs throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.  The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. 

“Affordable childcare and access to education helps promote financial stability for families while benefiting Maine’s small businesses and local economies,” said Senator Collins.  “This funding would support the next generation of Mainers, helping to ensure students have the skills, tools, and support needed to achieve their goals.  As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.” 

This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.  Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.       

Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:         

United Way Childcare Center  

Recipient: United Way of Southern Maine   

Project Location: Biddeford, ME  

Amount Requested: $2,626,000  

Project Purpose: To provide a childcare center.  

Penquis Higher Education Center  

Recipient: Town of Dover-Foxcroft   

Project Location: Dover-Foxcroft, ME  

Amount Requested: $1,500,000   

Project Purpose: To create a higher education center.  

Boys & Girls Club Expansion  

Recipient: Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine    

Project Location: Portland, ME  

Amount Requested: $5,000,000   

Project Purpose: To expand and update facilities.  

In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending.  Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024.  As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.  

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