Joint Order Extending the Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future beyond Its Scheduled Termination Date

WHEREAS,  the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future has been frequently advised by leaders from the State’s business, labor, education and nonprofit sectors of the importance of a legislative focus on issues related to workforce development, revitalizing downtowns and communities and growing small businesses in Maine; and

WHEREAS,  many of these same leaders urged the continuation of the Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future beyond its scheduled termination date of July 1, 2013; and

WHEREAS,  the members of the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future worked together in a nonpartisan manner with input from dozens of experts throughout the State to unanimously support legislation taking steps to move Maine forward towards stronger economic growth and the preparation of Maine’s workers and businesses to compete in the global marketplace; and

WHEREAS,  several issues critical to Maine’s economic future were identified during the Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future’s public hearings, panel presentations, work sessions and public meetings that were held across the State; and

WHEREAS,  the Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future requires additional time to further examine and consider potential legislation to address the challenges related to these issues; now, therefore, be it

ORDERED, the House concurring, that the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future, established by Joint Order 2013, S.P. 27 during the First Regular Session of the 126th Legislature, is authorized to continue its work through the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature. The Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future is further authorized to meet up to 5 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 Joint Select Committee on Maine's Workforce and Economic Future terminates upon adjournment of the 126th Legislature sine die.