BANGOR – The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Conference Report, signed into law Dec. 21, will increase Maine’s share of federal education funding by nearly $23 million, according to U.S. Rep. John Baldacci.

For the fiscal year 2001, Maine will receive $177,716,377. This is $22,878,666 more than was allocated for last fiscal year.

This is a “significant increase in funding for education to support our schools and to make higher education more affordable for many Maine families. From special education to Pell Grants, this measure will mean greater opportunities for students in our state,” Baldacci said.

Maine will receive $6,483,750 for school renovation projects. This is new funding, which was not available last fiscal year. Baldacci outlined some of the other funding increases that will be forthcoming for Maine students and schools:

. Special Education: increase of $6,463,020 from $29.5 million to $35,965,889.

. Pell Grants: increase of $4,800,000 from $30.9 million to $35,700,000.

. Class Size Reduction: increase of $1,511,737 from $6 million to $7,606,780.

. Title I Funding: increase of $3,336,589 from $38 million to $41,621,509.

. Vocational and Adult Ed: increase of $467,034 from $7.6 million to $8,098,724.

Baldacci also noted that Maine once again will receive more than $2.1 million as part of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities initiative.

“Our state’s future depends on quality educational opportunities for all Maine families. This funding measure will help to renovate our school buildings. It will assist families in paying for college tuition. It will provide more resources for educational programs aimed at the poor and disadvantaged. And it will increase federal funds for special education,” Baldacci said.