JOBS BOND GETS STRONG ENDORSEMENT

Statewide Leaders say investment in education is critical to economy

(Fairfield, Me.) —  Higher education and business leaders are throwing their support behind a bipartisan $150 million jobs investment package that would boost Maine’s economy and strengthen its workforce.

The leaders on Wednesday joined top lawmakers to urge the passage of the jobs bond. They spoke at a press conference at Kennebec Valley Community College’s Precision Machining Technology Lab, an example of the type of higher education facility that would benefit from the bond proposal.

The Legislature reconvenes for a special session Thursday to take up the bond proposal.

Speaker Eves and President Alfond with representatives from Maine’s Community College System

“This bond isn’t just about fixing our buildings. It’s about the people who train in them. It’s about the industries that rely on this workforce. And it’s about ensuring that our workers have cutting-edge labs and classrooms to get the skills they need to compete,” said Speaker of the House Mark Eves, D-North Berwick.

The jobs bond proposal includes $35.5 million for upgrades to higher education facilities, including science, nursing, and GIS (geographic information system) labs. It also includes $100 million for investment in roads, bridges, ports and working waterfronts and $14 million for armory maintenance and renovations.

“As we stand here today, in this lab, we can see for ourselves the importance of having the right facilities and the right tools. To compete, we must make these investments in our students and our workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland.

The bond proposal includes $15.5 million for upgrades to classrooms, science labs, and computer labs in the Maine Community College System.

“This bond is a triple win for Maine,” said Dr. Scott Knapp, president of Central Maine Community College. “It will put our graduates to work in key sectors of our economy. It will provide the space necessary to expand and meet Maine’s unmet demand for skilled workers. And it will help meet the future demand for skilled workers as more and more of our current workforce approaches retirement.”

The investment package also includes $15.5 million for the University of Maine System for upgrades to science and nursing labs, and upgraded equipment for science classrooms and other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) facilities.

“The University of Maine System is extremely grateful for this significant investment in the renovation and enhancement of existing STEM facilities across the seven campuses,” said Allyson Hughes Handley, president of University of Maine Augusta. “Students will benefit directly from improved learning and research opportunities that will position our graduates to better compete for 21st century STEM careers in Maine.”

Maine Maritime Academy would receive $4.5 million in investment for a new science facility.

Dr. William Brennan, president Maine Maritime Academy told the crowd that the bond would be the first investment in a new classroom on the campus in 30 years and that private dollars were being used to match the funds from the state.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors hailed the proposal during the press conference saying it sent a strong message to businesses.

The full Legislature will vote on the proposal tomorrow for voters to approve on the November ballot.

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