Governor Creates Advisory Council on Jobs, Innovation and Economy

Governor John Baldacci issued an executive order December 4 that establishes an advisory panel to develop recommendations that would follow-up on an October Brookings Institution report suggesting new paths to prosperity in Maine. The Council on Jobs, Innovation and the Economy, which is expected to focus on what economic development proponents refer to as the state’s investment strategy, is to be led by Karen Gordon Mills, the managing director of the Solera venture capital fund. The governor said the state needs to increase investments in research and development, to expand access to higher education and to bolster job training opportunities.

The executive order directs the council, which is to have seven to 15 members appointed by the governor, to collaborate with state departments and offices, as well as the legislature, Maine’s university and community college systems and others. The “Charting Maine’s Future” report by the Brookings Institution, championed by GrowSmart Maine, recommended the development of a $200 million Maine Innovation Jobs Fund targeting science and technology. It also recommended establishing a $190 million Maine Quality Places Fund, drawing on an increase in the state’s lodging tax, to revitalize cities and towns, support land conservation and promote tourism. The report also envisioned a reduction in property taxes and a lowering of the top income tax. (Governor's Executive Order, December 4/AP, December 5, 2006) (HMF/12/6/06)