Sen. Rafferty presents LD 471 to pilot full‑time intensive English programs for newcomers
The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs heard testimony on LD 471, a bill to create a two‑year pilot providing full‑time intensive English instruction and wraparound supports to new Mainers, designed to speed entry into in‑demand jobs; lawmakers asked for more budget and implementation details at work session.
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Sen. Joe Rafferty, Senate chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, presented LD 471, a bill to establish a pilot program expanding full‑time intensive English language instruction for adult newcomers to Maine. Rafferty said the program would “accelerate language acquisition and prepare participants to fill critical workforce gaps” as the state faces persistent labor shortages.
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