WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King has announced that Educate Maine been awarded $525,000 through the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally-Directed Spending (CDS) appropriations package to establish and develop its Teach Maine Center, which will help to better connect Maine educators in all sixteen counties. The center will also work to implement the Teach Maine Plan — a framework designed to support educators as well as inspire and expand the future educator workforce. Right now, Maine, like the rest of the nation, is facing a critical an educator shortage and high turnover due to many schools lacking the resources to attract and retain quality teachers. Rural communities, especially, are impacted by this disparity.

The funding is part of the $454 million — for 185 projects — that the entire Maine delegation secured for state projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Package.

“Our Maine teachers lay the foundation for all our children’s success and are invaluable members of the community,” said Senator King. “As the son of two public school teachers, I am grateful for all the contributions of educators all across our state. This funding will help Educate Maine better connect and empower our education workforce — providing for our teachers today and preparing the teachers of tomorrow.”

"The recent approval of our CDS request to develop the Teach Maine Center paves the way for us to address the pressing shortage of teachers in Maine,” said Jason Judd, Executive Director of Educate Maine. “We are grateful to Senator Angus King and his dedicated staff for their unwavering belief in our mission and commitment to supporting Maine's educators. This funding will allow us to continue the vital work to grow, strengthen, and diversify our educator workforce.”

Senator King is a strong advocate for teachers across Maine. Last summer, he introduced a bill to expand tax deductions for school supplies teachers purposed out of pocket. He introduced legislation to increase access to mental health resources for educators. He also recently secured more than $14 million for early learning programs at Penquis C.A.P., Inc. in Bangor, Aroostook County Action Program in Presque Isle, and Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation in Farmingdale. He also secured $5 million for early learning programs in Sanford, Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care in Lewiston, and Midcoast Maine Community Action in Bath. In addition to funding, Senator King has co-sponsored a resolution to honor America’s teacher during National Teachers Week.

The 185 FY24 Maine investments secured by Senator King can be downloaded as an Excel spreadsheet HERE and viewed on a map HERE.

CDS funding is included in annual federal appropriations bipartisan legislation and provides a specific amount of discretionary funding to a state, locality, or nonprofit organization for projects with demonstrated civic and community value. Last year, Senator King secured over $250 million in Congressionally-Directed Spending for 140 Maine projects.

Senator King will begin accepting preliminary requests for FY25 Maine-based Congressionally-Directed Spending projects, pending updated FY25 guidance, in the upcoming weeks. Details on the FY25 CDS opportunity will be available on Senator King’s website.

###