STATE SENATE ENACTS WORKFORCE BILL

Posted: May 21, 2013 | Front Page, Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future, Senator Alfond, Senator Goodall

Maine’s first-of-its-kind skills gap solution moves closer to law

 

AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate enacted a first-of-its-kind measure addressing the skills gap and workforce training.

 

“There is no better example of what can happen when we work together for the betterment of this state,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland who is also the bill’s sponsor. “By endorsing this measure, it is clear that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle agree on the shared priority to get people back to work.”

 

 

LD 90, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future,” is an omnibus piece of legislation renewing the partnership between government, education, workers, and businesses, and addresses the specific factors contributing to the “skills gap”.

 

 

“It’s a top priority to put Mainers back to work and help businesses find the talent they need to grow. The legislature worked together to come up with a solution that will help create jobs, help Mainers keep jobs and Maine businesses in today’s economy,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall (D-Richmond), who also serves as the Senate chair of the Workforce committee.

 

 

The measure has garnered broad support and praise from Maine Community College President John Fitzsimmons, University of Maine Chancellor James Page, President of the Maine Development Foundation Ed Cervone, Tim Walton from Cianbro and other business and community leaders from across Maine.

Goodall added, “This is a win-win for Maine people, Maine businesses, and Maine’s economy.”

 

 

The measure will go to the Special Appropriations table for further consideration by the budget-writing committee and then to the Governor for his signature.

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