Senator Damon Appointed to Select R & D Committee
June 27, 2006
Senate President Beth Edmonds has appointed Senator Dennis Damon, D-Trenton, to the new Joint Select Committee on Research, Economic Development and the Innovation Economy. In making the choice, Senator Edmonds said: “Innovation will be the driving force for economic growth in Maine and much of the world in the coming years. Dennis Damon brings to the table his experience of having chaired the Joint Select Committee on Property Tax Reform in the 122nd Session. This is an example of his involvement in groundbreaking work for Maine.” She added “Senator Damon is a consensus builder, who will help this group gather the issues at hand and make sure that each one gets the thoughtful review it deserves.”
The new Committee will review Maine’s list of targeted industries, evaluate our current efforts, and make recommendations for future action. It will also review the State’s science and technology plan. The committee will reaffirm the Legislature’s commitment to research and development and innovation-based economic development.
Senator Damon said: "I am very pleased to be named to the Joint Select Committee on Research and Development. Scientific research and economic development are vitally important to Maine's future and they have been important components to me as I have served in the Senate.” Senator Damon added “It seems to me that the importance placed on R&D in Maine by creation of this Committee will provide the legislative and executive emphasis necessary to focus this effort and to help move our economy forward."
Additional committee work will focus on the role of research and development in Maine’s economic development strategy. It will examine the role of education, government and the private sector in Maine’s R&D strategy. It will also assess the extent of funding from potential bond issues and the state budget.
Maine’s R&D industry has helped to create high-skilled, high-wage jobs, bringing $310 million in payroll to Maine workers and securing $492 million in research funding since 2003, according to the Office of Innovation. The Committee on the Innovation Economy will work to build on that foundation. The committee is made up of 13 Legislators. It will submit its findings and recommendations along with any implementing legislation to the Legislature by December 6, 2006.
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