Joint Order, Establishing the Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future

WHEREAS,  there are currently approximately 50,000 Maine residents who are unemployed, and many more than that who are underemployed; and

WHEREAS,  Maine is lagging behind other states in economic growth and job creation; and

WHEREAS,  it is essential that the Legislature work with the State's business community and its workforce, as well as with policy experts, to craft and implement solutions to strengthen the State's economy and grow the middle class; and

WHEREAS,  the State's workforce, businesses and policy experts have determined that an exceptionally well-trained workforce is essential to job creation and economic growth; and

WHEREAS,  Maine has numerous small businesses that are critical to the State's economic recovery and long-term prosperity; and

WHEREAS,  Maine's downtown centers and Main Streets are economic assets and serve as centers of growth for the State's small businesses; and

WHEREAS,  a prosperous Maine economy is one in which Maine workers are well-trained, businesses are innovating and growing and communities are thriving; and

WHEREAS,  it is essential that the 126th Legislature focus on strengthening the workforce, growing small businesses and revitalizing our downtowns in order to grow our economy; now, therefore, be it

ORDERED, the House concurring, that the Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future is established as follows.

1. Establishment. The Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future, referred to in this order as "the committee," is established.

2. Membership. The committee consists of 15 members of the Legislature: 5 members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate and 10 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The President of the Senate shall appoint no more than 3 Senators from the party holding the largest number of seats in the Senate and no more than 2 Senators from the party holding the 2nd largest number of seats in the Senate. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint no more than 6 Representatives from the party holding the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives and no more than 4 Representatives from the party holding the 2nd largest number of seats in the House of Representatives. Nothing in this section precludes the appointment of a member who is not a member of the party holding the largest number of seats or the 2nd largest number of seats in the chamber. The first-named Senate and House members shall serve as cochairs of the committee.

3. Authority. The committee shall hold public hearings and work sessions on any legislation referred to it and shall vote on and report out the legislation to the appropriate chamber in the manner prescribed in Joint Rule 310. In addition to reporting out legislation referred to it, the committee is authorized to submit legislation to the Senate concerning the State's workforce and economic future.

4. Meetings; staff assistance. The committee and any authorized subcommittees may meet on days and at locations jointly authorized by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Legislative Council shall provide staffing to the committee. The cochairs of the committee may request technical assistance from appropriate sources whenever necessary. The committee shall report out all legislation referred to it in accordance with deadlines established by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

5. Termination. Unless the committee is extended beyond July 1, 2013, the committee terminates on July 1, 2013.