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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