Education committee considers proposal to develop STEM employment and higher education opportunities

In its latest public hearing, the Education & Cultural Affairs committee heard testimony on LD 515, An Act To Create New Models of Maine Manufacturing Employment and Education.  Sponsored by Rep. Michael Sylvester (D-Portland), this bill would require the STEM council to coordinate the development of STEM employment and higher education opportunities.  This would require public-private partnerships and involve the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System, Adult Education, the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), and the Loring Development Authority.

Testimony ranged from support to “neither for nor against.” The University of Maine System and Maine Community College System provided testimony in support of the bill.  The Manufacturer’s Association of Maine and FAME gave testimony of neither for nor against.
 
The only hesitation expressed toward the bill is that it will create jobs in new and existing industries while Maine is already having difficulty fulfilling our current workforce needs.
 
The Right from The Start Coalition has been keeping an eye on the developments of LD93, LD98, and LD698.  These bills range from changing how DHHS administers its quality ratings for childcare services to how the department makes decisions on funding.
 
If you would like more information about this issue, please contact Simon West by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 117, or by emailing swest@mainechamber.org.