SEARSMONT, Maine (AP) - Maine Gov. Janet Mills is touting an economic plan she released Wednesday that seeks to boost wages and increase the number of skilled workers at a time when thousands of workers are expected to retire from the workforce.
Mills unveiled a 10-year economic plan that aims to raise wages by 10% and increase Maine’s “talent pool” by at least 75,000 people.
As things stand, the state’s population is expected to shrink by 65,000 over the next decade. The governor also wants to increase the value of products produced in a state where gross domestic product growth has lagged behind the national average.
“Maine stands at an economic crossroads. Our traditional industries - farming, forestry and fishing - have laid a strong economic foundation for our state, and the time has come for us to build on that,” she said.
She was joined for her announcement by Heather Johnson, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the leaders of the University of Maine System, the Maine Development Foundation, the Maine Community College System and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.
Mills ordered the creation of the nonpartisan plan in March to address economic challenges in the state with the nation’s oldest population. The 20-member panel received input from more than 1,300 Maine people from every corner of the state.
Strategies for achieving the goals include attracting workers from other places and enhancing the skills of existing workers, while helping seniors and people with disabilities work in greater numbers.
The plan would promote research and development, expand broadband and improves childcare, transportation and housing systems.
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