The award was presented for her "distinguished service in the 107th Congress in elevating the priority for education funding to ensure better opportunities for our nation's citizens." Senator Collins is the only Republican Senator to receive the award this year.
"I am honored to receive this award," said Senator Collins. "Since joining the Senate almost six years ago, I have worked with my colleagues in a bi-partisan manner to increase funding for education programs by more than $21 billion. It is my hope that the Congress will continue to provide increases necessary to support states and communities in the education of our nation's students."
"During my time in the Senate, I have worked to increase federal assistance to the states in a number of areas including the Rural Education Achievement Program.. The most recent appropriations for this initiative has resulted in more than $2 million in funding for rural school districts in Maine."
The Committee for Education Funding is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 100 organizations dedicated to the goal of achieving adequate federal financial support for schools and students across the nation. CEF members include educational associations, institutions, agencies, and organizations whose interests range from preschool to postgraduate education in both public and private systems. It is the nation's largest coalition of education associations.