Sen. Vitelli lauds Senate enactment of workforce bill

AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate on Tuesday enacted an amended version of LD 669, a bill that would bolster the Department of Labor’s Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP). The CSSP helps low-income, underemployed and unemployed workers acquire new skills needed to obtain good-paying jobs in growing industries.

Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, worked on the amendment for the bill and released the following statement on the bill’s enactment:

“I have spent nearly 40 years in workforce development, helping people find jobs and develop the skills they need to participate in a changing economy. Businesses have warned lawmakers about the serious skills gap and demographic challenges facing the state. This bill takes action to address these problems — helping workers develop new skills and move into high paying, in-demand jobs. I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for taking action on an extremely important issue.”

The bill calls for greater outreach among businesses and training providers in order to reach individuals most in need of training; the unemployed, veterans and recipient of food assistance benefits. The measure also broadens the education and training that can be offered through the program by taking into account direct employer input, changing demographics, and innovations being used by traditional industries — all of which are increasing demand for skilled workers.

LD 669 is sponsored by Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta. The amended version of the bill incorporates some of the recommendations of the Task Force on Maine’s 21st Century Economy and Workforce, released in December of last year. Vitelli was among the legislators who served on the task force.

LD 669 will now head to the governor, who has 10 days to sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.

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