Nearly $7.6 Million for Maine Education and Childcare 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 $7,554,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Maine education and childcare programs in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Expanding access to education opportunities and affordable childcare is a win for Maine’s families, small businesses, and local economies,” said Senator Collins. “By providing students with the skills, tools, and support needed to achieve their educational goals, this funding would help to ensure the next generation of Mainers are well-equipped for success. 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 Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education 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:
Building Workforce Development through Connectivity and Technology
Recipient: Husson University
Project Location: Bangor, ME
Amount Requested: $1,100,000
Project Purpose: For technology, equipment, and minor remodeling to expand communications education opportunities for students in marketing fields.
Children’s Literacy Program
Recipient: Team Long Run
Project Location: North Bridgton, ME
Amount Requested: $250,000
Project Purpose: To expand early childhood literacy and physical education programs.
Expanding Manufacturing and Engineering Pathways
Recipient: Educate Maine
Project Location: Portland, ME
Amount Requested: $4,000,000
Project Purpose: To purchase manufacturing and engineering equipment for Career and Technical Education schools.
Aroostook Childcare Resource Center
Recipient: United Way of Aroostook
Project Location: Presque Isle, ME
Amount Requested: $182,000
Project Purpose: To create a childcare resource center to support childcare providers in Aroostook County.
St. George CTE Makerspace Building
Recipient: St. George Municipal School Unit
Project Location: Tenants Harbor, ME
Amount Requested: $272,000
Project Purpose: To purchase equipment and tools for the Career and Technical Education Makerspace Building.
Advancing Science and Technology for Maine’s STEM Workforce
Recipient: Thomas College
Project Location: Waterville, ME
Amount Requested: $1,750,000
Project Purpose: For curriculum development and to purchase equipment for an advanced biochemistry lab and a new physics lab.
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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