AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave bipartisan approval Monday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, to grow Maine's workforce by simplifying the licensure process for out-of-state license holders.
LD 149 is a key recommendation from the Working Group to Study Barriers to Credentialing, a group that was tasked with assessing impediments to professional licensure for skilled individuals with foreign credentials and individuals from other states applying for Maine licensure. The bill aims to strike a balance between expanding workforce potential by reducing existing barriers to licensure and ensuring Maines boards and regulatory agencies are able to uphold rigorous standards.
The legislation is also a critical step in achieving one of the three goals of the 10-Year Statewide Economic Development Strategy, a policy roadmap that specifically recommends steps be taken to help New Americans and other newcomers become qualified to work in Maine.
"LD 149 is a key first step in welcoming much needed talent into our workforce and is a foundational action that will attract new talent to the state," said Cloutier. "This bill will have a direct impact on communities across the state and I am grateful to everyone who has worked hard on this critical measure."
After receiving a final vote in the Maine Senate, the bill will head to the governor's desk for her signature.
Cloutier is serving her second term in the Maine House and sits on the Appropriation and Financial Affairs Committee. She represents part of the City of Lewiston.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Cloutier] c. 812-1111