WORKFORCE COMMITTEE GETS GREEN LIGHT TO CONTINUE ITS WORK
Senate extends the Joint Select Committee through next session
AUGUSTA—Today, in a unanimous vote, the Senate passed a Joint Order allowing the Legislature’s special workforce committee to continue its work throughout the summer and during the second regular session of the 126th Legislature.
“The work of this committee is another example of what can happen when politics is put aside, we put our minds together, and we help the people of Maine. This committee championed and the legislature wholly endorsed, legislation that will get people back to work,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland. “But there’s more work to do. We must keep pace with our New England neighbors, strengthen our economy, and ensure that Mainers have the skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
The Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future was brought forward by Senate President Justin Alfond as one of the priorities set by the Democratic caucus at the beginning of the 126th Legislature.
Last month, the committee approved LD 90, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future,” a first of its kind, omnibus piece of legislation renewing the partnership between government, education, workers, and businesses, and addresses the specific factors contributing to the “skills gap.” LD 90 was passed by both the Senate and the House, and is funded through the Appropriations Committee’s proposed two-year budget.
“In a mere five months, we came up with a solution that will help create jobs, help Mainers keep jobs, and strengthen Maine businesses in today’s economy,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall of Richmond, the Senate Chair of the committee. “But our work is not yet done. Putting Mainers back to work and helping businesses find the talent they need to grow is a shared priority for this legislature and we are dedicated to continuing to solve these issues.”
The Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future committee also overwhelmingly approved a measure to strengthen and grow Maine’s downtowns and Main Streets by allocating $100,000 to the Maine Downtown Center. The bill, LD 1172, “An Act to Support the Maine Downtown Center,” will be reviewed by the Appropriations Committee.
The Joint Order authorizes the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future to meet up to five times during the legislative interim to further examine and consider a number of issues related to workforce development, downtown revitalization, and small business development.
The committee will terminate upon adjournment of the 126th Legislature next year.
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