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Maine educators ask lawmakers to fund bills that would raise their pay

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Maine educators ask lawmakers to fund bills that would raise their pay


AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine educators are asking lawmakers for higher pay.

They say low pay has led to staffing shortages across the state.

Members of the Maine Education Association gathered inside the State House to push lawmakers to fund two bills they think would address the problem.

The MEA says there’s over 7,000 certified teachers in Maine who are choosing not to teach, and districts can’t hire for crucial support staff positions like ed techs, bus drivers and custodians.

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LD 974 would increase wages for school support staff, while LD 1064, which passed the house and senate last session, would increase the minimum salary for teachers to $50,000 a year.

”Don’t get me wrong. As teachers, we have one of the coolest and most fun dogs in the world,” RSU 68 teacher Kendrah Willey said.

“We love our kids, but we also deserve to make a livable wage and fairly compensated for our time, just like any other hard working Mainer,” Willey said.

Lawmakers say LD 974 would cost roughly $14,000,000, while numbers on LD 1064 are still being ironed out.

There is optimism legislators will fund both bills as there seems to be enough bi-partisan support.

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Maine

2026 Southern Maine Athletes of the Week: Winter Week 12

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2026 Southern Maine Athletes of the Week: Winter Week 12


Posted inSports, Varsity Maine

Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!

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Tagged: Athletes of the weekvarsity maine



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Maine

We Are the Watershed call for art

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We Are the Watershed call for art


A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.

Submissions sought:
Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.

Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.


The Eastport Arts Center

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Every week through Apr 01, 2026.
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Event Supported By

Eastport Arts Center

(207) 853-4650

info@eastportartscenter.org

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Maine

NEWS CENTER Maine

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NEWS CENTER Maine
Through in-depth storytelling, through direct contact on digital on social platforms, through long-standing community service programs like Coats & Toys for Kids, Project Heat and Buddy to Buddy, NEWS CENTER Maine is dedicated to keeping Mainers connected. We can’t do it alone, though. Only by listening and interacting with YOU can we continue to connect ALL Mainers.



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