After witnessing what happened in Washington over the past couple of weeks, it’s understandable for people to be cynical about, even disgusted with, government. Too often, tribal politics that dictate, “My side is right, your side is wrong” have become the prism through which we view every difficult issue.
Because of this, it’s difficult to notice when progress is made and we, in government, get things right. During my time in office, I have seen proof that, on many fronts, we are heading in the right direction.
As the state senator representing Gorham, and parts of Scarborough and Buxton, I am proud of numerous legislative success stories.
Steps taken to protect our most precious resource, our children, is one example. Adverse childhood experiences result in a myriad of risks across a lifetime. In our last days of session this summer, we supported funding to increase the staff and pay for DHHS caseworkers so that endangered children receive the attention and protection they need. Along the same lines, I sponsored legislation that secured more than $1 million in federal funding to expand and duplicate a highly successful whole family residential substance abuse treatment program which helps mothers recover and become independent of state involvement, while providing therapy to kids subjected to trauma.
Another bill I sponsored resulted in first-in-the-nation legislation that leads to earlier detection of lead poisoning. That legislation funded contaminated housing clean up and more funding was added this year.
Although we have more work to do, we have come together to address human trafficking in Maine, passing legislation that increases penalties on those who are convicted of human trafficking and protecting the innocent individuals who have been victimized by it.
We have also supported increased funding to K-12 education, while requiring more accountability, classroom-focus and transparency. The current two-year budget includes the largest one-time increase in public education funding in Maine history. Additionally, record numbers of students are earning college credit while in high school, lowering the cost of college and giving them the confidence to pursue higher education.
We have also invested in our community college and university systems, making them more effective, accessible and relevant to workforce needs. Most recently, I successfully helped advocate for the university system to add a third engineering degree at USM to meet future employment demand. We funded a new engineering center in Orono and have recommended improvement bonds to voters.
Workforce training has been a priority, as well, and we have moved many, many Mainers from welfare to skilled work through certificate programs, as well as associate and bachelor’s degrees. The State Workforce Board is turning its attention to including seniors, people in recovery and those with disabilities, criminal records and other challenges in Maine’s workforce. We need all hands on deck in this economy!
Folks are tired of hearing about what their elected officials won’t do together. They want to see us making progress, but the press prefers to report on drama and conflict.
Throughout my tenure in the Maine Legislature, I have prided myself on supporting whatever makes the most sense, not just ideas from within my own party. I originally ran for office because a friend told me I had a knack for expressing my views without alienating others. We must all make a commitment to find the “Sensible Center” on issues. The citizens of Maine deserve to be represented by lawmakers who listen, analyze, communicate and collaborate professionally in order to break partisan gridlock and move Maine forward.
Amy Volk is serving her second term in the Maine Senate and represents the people of Senate District 30 which includes Gorham and parts of Scarborough and Buxton. She is the Senate Assistant Majority Leader, the Chair of the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee and is also a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
(207) 287-1505 | (800) 423-6900 | amy.volk@legislature.maine.gov