CHAPTER 99
S.P. 585 - L.D. 1665
Preamble. Whereas, natural resource-based industries are the foundation of the State's economy; and
Whereas, the number of individuals entering farming, fishing and forestry is declining steadily; and
Whereas, natural resource-based industries are nonmobile industries rooted in the culture and ecology of the State, placing the State in a unique position; now, therefore, be it further
Sec. 1. Business development; education programs. Resolved: That the State Planning Office shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business and economic development matters by January 1, 2001 that:
1. Examines the resources available to business development and specifically how funds are dedicated to development in the natural resource-based industries. The report must specifically review the proportions of dollars spent on economic development and the percentage of those dollars that are aimed at natural resource-based industries;
2. Analyzes existing education programs and the status of workforce wages and benefits and the average age and availability of workers to fill the current needs of natural resource-based industries;
3. Develops a proposal based on the analysis pursuant to subsection 2 to establish education programs for secondary and postsecondary schools, including vocational and technical college systems, with the aim of increasing the number of trained entrants into the natural resource-based industries; and
4. Identifies barriers to and opportunities for enhancing the growth and sustainability of the State's natural resource-based industries.
Following receipt of the report, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business and economic development matters may report out a bill during the First Regular Session of the 120th Legislature.
Effective August 11, 2000, unless otherwise indicated.
| Revisor of Statutes Homepage | Subject Index | Search | Laws of Maine | Maine Legislature |
