Sen. Carpenter appointed to Economic Recovery Committee

Posted: May 13, 2020 | Senator Carpenter

The committee will hold its first meeting virtually on Friday at 8:00 a.m. 

AUGUSTA – Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, has appointed Sen. Mike Carpenter, D-Houlton, to serve on Gov. Janet T. Mills’ Economic Recovery Committee. The committee is charged with developing a set of recommendations to mitigate the economic damage caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to jumpstart long-term economic recovery. The first virtual meeting begins Friday, May 15 at 8:00 a.m. Interested parties can register to participate here.

“As a small business owner, I know what many folks in my position are going through, trying to keep their doors open. At the same time, I’ve heard from people all over my district worried that the heritage industries that power Aroostook County won’t get the same relief as other industries,” said Sen. Carpenter. “To restart and grow our economy, Maine needs a long-term plan – one that works for the entire state. I look forward to getting folks around the table and bringing some old-fashion Aroostook County commonsense to our approach to rebuilding Maine’s economy.”

The 37 member committee includes representatives of small businesses, non-profits, financial institutions, unions, municipalities, tribal and immigrant communities, hospitality and tourism industries, and educational institutions as well as a bipartisan delegation of legislative designees. The committee will focus on five core areas:

  • Strengthening Maine’s key industries and small businesses;
  • Strengthening workforce development; 
  • Improving opportunities for lower-and middle-income families; 
  • Expanding economic opportunities for rural communities; and 
  • Attracting new investments and innovations in key sectors such as business, communication, health care, recreation and education. 

“As we look to reopen and rebuild our economy, we need to make sure that small businesses, heritage industries and rural Maine don’t get left behind or left out of the conversation,” said Pres. Jackson. “Sen. Carpenter not only runs a small business that relies heavily on tourism, but he also represents a district with deep ties to agricultural industries and other natural resources industries. He will serve rural Maine well on this committee.”

More info on the first Economic Recovery Committee meeting can be found here. The Mills administration is asking that interested parties register in advance to participate.

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