Maine House repeals school consolidation law

AUGUSTA – With some lawmakers still angered by the governor’s veto this week of a bill containing changes to the state’s controversial school consolidation law, the House voted Wednesday night to scrap the law altogether. The repeal vote was 73 to 59.

“We are the people’s house and we will speak for our citizens,” said Rep. Rob Eaton, D-Sullivan, sponsor of the repeal. “We can do better than what we have today.”

The vote to repeal was bipartisan, as was opposition to repeal. Supporters argued the law forces consolidation of school administrations even when “common sense” would indicate consolidation will not work.

“If we have another opportunity I think we can do better for the students in our state,” said Rep. Peter Edgecomb, R-Caribou.

He said school administrations across the state do need to be consolidated to save costs as student populations continue to decline and education expenses continue to increase. But, he said, the current law with its penalties is forcing consolidation efforts that are unworkable.

Rep. Tom Watson, D-Bath, questioned the reality of the repeal proposal. The school reform law, which was part of the two-year state budget passed in June 2007, counted on generating $36 million in savings by consolidating school administrations throughout Maine. Watson reminded lawmakers Wednesday night that it will cost $36 million to repeal the law, and the state does not have the money to pay for it.

“I suggest that if we are going to debate this issue for another few hours that we shift the debate to where are we going to find $36 million,” he said.

Watson reminded lawmakers of the lengthy and difficult process they went through to find the $190 million to balance the budget just a few weeks ago and said finding an additional $36 million would be even more difficult.

Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, opposed the repeal. She argued the state needs to move forward with consolidation.

“We are still seeing administrative expenses rise faster than we can afford,” she said. “We need consolidation to continue.”

She said taking a vote just to “feel better” will not help solve the problems facing education in Maine.

At a House Democrats caucus before the evening session, it was clear several lawmakers are still angry with Gov. John Baldacci for his veto of LD 1932, a compromise consolidation measure supported by nearly two-thirds of the House.

“We know some of you are still upset,” House Speaker Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, told the caucus. “We still have another bill in the process that can amend the law if the repeal passes and the governor vetoes it.”

Democrats at the caucus clearly expected the repeal vote would succeed, and that the state Senate might also support the repeal to “send a message” to the governor.

Later, during House debate, Rep. Wendy Pieh, D-Bremen, charged that some lawmakers have been offered special legislation to exempt their communities from the consolidation law in return for supporting the consolidation law.

“What is really bothering me right now is that there are several legislators that have been offered special and private laws to accommodate their need,” she said.

To underscore the Democrat’s dissatisfaction with Baldacci, Rep. James Schatz, D-Blue Hill, moved to kill on reference to committee the governor’s bill to amend the consolidation law the way the governor wants it amended. That motion was tabled.

The repeal measure could be considered in the Senate today.