MEA Advocacy Pays Off

Under the DOME

MEA Advocacy Pays Off

A Better Pension System for Educators

MEA advocated for MainePERS to research a new Social Security-based pension system for new hires. MEA will be part of this process.

Major Bargaining Law Update

MEA worked hard to advocate for this new law that will guarantee public employees will receive their usual step increases, even if they are working under an expired contract. MEA stands up for members, ensuring that our voice, values, and priorities are heard & respected both in the workplace & at the statehouse. MEA is continually working for better pay and benefits for members and advocating for policies and investments that ensure education equity, prevent discrimination & prejudice, and advance great public schools for all educators and students. MEA works to ensure your voice is valued in the workplace, and our efforts pay off. Here are just some of the ways MEA advocacy will benefit members in the coming school year and beyond.

Racial Justice Advocacy

MEA advocated for increased racial justice by supporting a new law that will integrate African American studies & history of genocide into the statewide learning results.

Teacher Certification Update

MEA supported streamlining the certification process and making the PRAXIS optional for new entrants to help with workforce shortages in schools.

COVID Sick Days Update

MEA advocated for members who were forced to use their own sick days to quarantine for COVID reasons. A new law now requires school districts to reimburse sick days, due to COVID quarantine, up to 15 days.

Chemical-Free Schools

MEA backed the law that prohibits the use of certain toxic pesticides within 75 feet of school grounds.

SRO Diversity Training

MEA supported a new law that requires school resource officers to participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training in their first year.

Cleaner Drinking Water

MEA pushed for years to tighten drinking water quality standards-this new law reduces the allowable amount of lead in school drinking water.

Equity in School Lunch

MEA believes food should not be a barrier to learning and advocated for MDOE to create a uniform application for free/ reduced meals in multiple languages.

COVID Pension Protections

MEA worked to allow educators in MainePERs to buy credit for any stipended position they may have missed due to COVID, making it so educators do not have their retirement benefits forever impacted due to COVID.