Maine Democrat Troy Jackson Faces Scrutiny Over $13.4 Million College Funding as Son Lobbied
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Maine Democrat Troy Jackson Faces Scrutiny Over $13.4 Million College Funding as Son Lobbied
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Summary
$13.4 million in proposed funding for Maine Maritime Academy is drawing scrutiny because Troy Jackson co-sponsored the 2024 bill while his son, Chace Jackson, was registered to lobby for the school.
State records show Chace Jackson first registered for the academy in December 2022 and renewed in January 2024, after Troy Jackson had already backed a 2022 $6.8 million payment and a 2023 measure adding $2 million annually.
The 2023 funding increase took effect, but the 2024 bill passed the Maine Senate and was never signed into law; Jackson, his son and the academy did not respond to Fox News Digital requests for comment.
Republicans are using the overlap to accuse Jackson of self-dealing, while his campaign says he is focused on helping working Mainers and fixing a system that favors wealthy interests.
The issue lands as Jackson, newly installed as Maine Democrats' Senate nominee after Graham Platner dropped out, prepares to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins in November.