Diamond earns high marks for education record

The Maine Education Association has given 
State Senator Bill Diamond of Windham
high marks for his voting record on
educational issues in the state.
FILE PHOTO

AUGUSTA – Senator Bill Diamond, a Democrat from Windham, earned high marks from the Maine Education Association for his voting record on education issues.

“As a former teacher, I know how crucial it is that our students receive a well-rounded education,” said Diamond. “In Augusta, it’s our job to help students and educators alike succeed. That’s why I’m proud of my votes this session to ensure every Maine student can access a quality education, and that our educators have ample support and resources to help their students along their educational journeys.”

This year, Sen. Diamond championed efforts to fully fund education at 55 percent for the first in the state’s history since it was mandated by voters in 2004. He also voted in favor of bills to ensure a good starting wage for school librarians and career and technical education teachers.

Making sure these hardworking professionals are paid a fair wage will help schools attract and retain quality workers, Diamond said.

MEA represents 24,000 Maine teachers and advocates for policies and investments that ensure that educators’ voices, values, and priorities are heard and respected both in the workplace and at the State House.

Diamond said that he remains committed to fighting for Maine students, teachers, and school staff in the Legislature.

Currently serving his 10th term in the Maine Senate, representing constituents in Windham, Raymond, Standish, Casco, Baldwin and Frye Island, Diamond has had a distinguished career in public service.

He is currently serving as the chairman of the Maine Legislature’s Transportation Committee. In previous terms, he has served as the Senate chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice, and as a member of state’s Government Oversight Committee. In the 124th Legislature, he served as the Chairman of state budget writing committee known as the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

From 1989 to 1997, Diamond served as Maine’s Secretary of State and during his tenure was credited with improving efficiencies within the Department of State. Before his tenure as Secretary of State, he served three terms in the Maine House of Representatives, including one term as Majority Whip. In addition to public service, he has extensive experience as a small-business owner for more than 40 years, and as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools in the Windham and Raymond school systems, where he worked for 20 years.

The complete Maine legislative scorecard from MEA can be found here. <