AUGUSTA, Maine - The chancellor of the University of Maine System is calling on lawmakers to support increased funding for its schools in Gov. Paul LePage's budget.
Chancellor James Page addressed a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday. He says that LePage is proposing the biggest new investment that the system has seen in years. The system would see a 3.6 percent, or $14.2 million, increase over two years.
Page also addressed the system's economic challenges, including a potential $75 million structural gap between now and 2019.
Lawmakers also heard from Derek Langhauser, interim president of the Maine Community College System, and William Brennan, Maine Maritime Academy president.
LePage is proposing to flat-fund the community colleges. Langhauser said that without more state support, it will be forced to cut programs and services.