Representative Baldacci urges investment in education and TRIO programs during school visit

Representative Baldacci visited a high-school career-association meeting and urged students to pursue education, workplace skills and civic engagement, saying those elements are “tools for success” in a global economy. He praised local specialists and the program’s follow-through for students and noted he maintains constituent offices in Presque Isle, Madawaska, Bangor and Lewiston.

Baldacci framed education as the key to economic opportunity and told students he wants “the next generation [to be] the best educated generation in American history.” He cited TRIO and upward-bound programs as examples that help students prepare for college and careers and said the local program had been ranked highly. Baldacci warned that some federal appropriations for these programs have been declining and “are supposed to sunset,” and he said he wants to see them reauthorized or for other resources to be identified so students won’t lose services.

“As much as we’d like to say we’re finished with it, education is a lifelong process,” Baldacci said. He recommended Pell Grants remain a funding priority and encouraged students to use available programs—Job Corps, TRIO and others—to gain training and experience.

Baldacci also described how students can get practical experience by working in his offices and by volunteering; he mentioned student campaign volunteers and singled out one helper by name, Ryan McDonald, who will assist on his campaign and is considering law school. He urged students to balance work and school, arguing that credentials give people more options in changing job markets.

The representative said he would follow up with program staff and with state legislators where necessary; he noted the state legislature had previously approved funds to cover a shortfall created by federal cuts. He closed by thanking students for their service and encouraging them to stay engaged in learning and community work.