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Finding entry-level workers is Maine’s business community’s top current priority, according to a report released Thursday, which also lists workforce housing and workplace disparities as concerns.
Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Maine Development Foundation and Education Maine Collaborative “Making Maine Work: Critical Investments for Maine’s Economy” outlines economic priorities and policy recommendations leading up to the gubernatorial election in November. Based on the report business studies, It is the eighth in a series that started in 2010.
This year, the shortage of entry-level workers is closely followed by high energy costs, the need for technical staff and the need for workforce housing. The 2010 report identified the cost of doing business and state regulations as top-level concerns; In the year In 2018, broadband availability, labor shortages and the importance of economic strategy were top priorities.
Overall, the report outlines six goals and recommendations on how to achieve them. It also calls for the implementation of Maine’s Economic Development Strategy 2020-29, annual reports on the plan’s progress and current changes, and the creation of an energy strategy and energy investment plan.
He recommends encouraging more Mainers to participate in the workforce to expand Maine’s workforce at all levels. Helping employees develop new skills; creating more diverse, welcoming workplaces; and attracting newcomers to live and work in Maine.
Labor demand is an ongoing concern, but demand for highly skilled workers has been at an all-time high over the past few years. Health care costs and broadband access remain concerns as diversity in the workplace, particularly attracting immigrants and minorities, emerges as a new priority. This reflects the state’s increasing diversity, with people of color now making up 9 percent of the population, according to the US Census.
To boost investments in innovation, the report calls for more spending on research and development, promoting the growth of value-added industries, streamlining business processes and creating high-paying jobs, and investing more in broadband.
Recommends investing in public health infrastructure to improve health outcomes and limit health care cost inflation, adopting the recommendations of the Maine Obesity Advisory Council and the Maine Tobacco Prevention and Control Advisory Council, expanding the health care workforce, investing in community residential mental health programs pour out and services, promoting efficiency in health care and working to reduce changes in the insured’s income to reduce health insurance costs.
To expand housing stock to meet demand, the report recommends setting targets for new home construction at every price point and aggressively implementing supportive policies and incentives.
In response to the priorities identified in the report, LePage’s campaign released the following statement.
“Governor LePage shares the concerns of our entrepreneurs about the economy, especially the high cost of electricity, gasoline and the declining labor force participation rate in Maine, which is hurting our small businesses. As Maine’s next governor, he looks forward to addressing these concerns.”
Gov. Janet Mills could not immediately be reached for comment.
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