Sen. Dill highlights state’s economic growth council report

Maine earned high marks for its cost of doing business and environmental quality, but there’s still work to be done to support economic growth through education, transportation infrastructure and research and innovation.

Those were the findings of the latest report by the Maine Economic Growth Council, which issues the report annually to identify the state’s progress toward long-term economic growth and an exemplary quality of life. The 2016 report gave the state scores on 25 indicators grading the state’s progress toward meeting its long-term economic goals.

Democratic Sen. Jim Dill of Old Town, who serves on the council, lauded the Council for providing a strong study of the state’s successes, as well as its needs.

“This council has a strong reputation for setting benchmarks and long-range plans for moving Maine’s economy forward,” said Sen. Dill. “This type of vision and focus is especially important for our region, where a laser-focus on growth and our economy is needed now more than ever.”

Maine earned high marks for its low cost of doing business, its air quality its water quality. Additionally, Maine was showing positive movement toward meeting its employment benchmarks. Nonfarm payroll jobs grew, as did the state’s international exports. Strides were made toward better housing affordability.

However, the Council said more work is needed in the areas of research and development, postsecondary educational attainment, elementary reading and math scores, and transportation infrastructure.

“Issues such as poverty and food insecurity can have an effect on our state’s progress if they are not addressed,” said Sen. Dill. “We need to invest in education to ensure a skilled workforce for Maine businesses. We also need to invest in our infrastructure, innovation and connectivity, such as broadband, to compete and attract residents, visitors and businesses to Maine.”

The Maine Economic Growth Council was established in 1993 to develop an economic plan for the state and to measure progress in achieving the plan’s benchmarks and goals. The nonpartisan council is comprised of 19 members who are appointed by the governor, the president of the Senate, and the speaker of the House. Members represent diverse stakeholder interests in the economy, such as business people, educators, labor leaders, state legislators and those with community, health, and/or environmental interests.

Each year, the council releases its Measures of Growth report to highlight the key indicators that measure Maine’s progress toward long-term, sustainable economic growth and a high quality of life for all Maine people.

The 2016 Measures of Growth report can be found here.