The Maine AFCS is a professional organization of family and consumer sciences (FCS) professionals (formerly home economists). One of the association’s primary goals is to promote the study of consumer, career and life skills in Maine schools, and through FCS education, improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Over the past decade, these programs have been targets of budget cuts and program reduction at a time when students need them most.

Rep. Tom Saviello spoke about the legislative process at our annual conference last year. It was a catalyst for the formation of our Task Force on FACS Education, which is working to reduce the obstacles leading to program reduction and losses.

We thank him for helping Maine AFCS establish a meeting time to dialogue with the commissioner of education about our issues and for his willingness to support our efforts.

Barbara K. Fredericks, president, Maine AFCS, Wilton