Whereas, the State ranks 36th in the nation in per capita income and is 39% below the average per capita income for New England; and

Whereas, thousands of high-skill, high-wage jobs in the State are going unfilled and one in 5 employers are recruiting out-of- state, while thousands of Maine citizens are underemployed and lacking the education and skills to qualify for those good jobs; and

Whereas, the State's economic development strategy has identified key industries to support and nurture, and one of the major barriers facing these industries is the lack of skilled workers; and

Whereas, studies show a direct correlation between higher education and higher income levels, with associate degree holders earning 24% more than those with a high school diploma and bachelor's degree holders earning 67% more; and

Whereas, the State's public higher education systems have steadily increased enrollment, but this growth falls well behind many other states that have set aggressive goals for higher college attainment to prepare their citizenry for the global economy; and

Whereas, there is clear consensus among the State's education and policy leaders of the need to increase college participation, yet the State has not established goals for higher education attainment, nor reached a consensus on how best to achieve those goals; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Task force established. Resolved: That a task force is established to examine the continuing education levels and training required for people in the current work force to assist them in obtaining high-skill, high-wage jobs in the State. In determining what needs to be done, the task force shall look at current services and strategies offered and make recommendations regarding goals for higher educational attainment, training needs and strategies to achieve those goals.