AUGUSTA - A bill to improve young people's participation in Maine government, LD 1497, sponsored by Rep. Charlotte Warren, D-Hallowell, passed out of the Maine Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business on Tuesday.
The amended bill will establish the Maine Youth Workforce and Economic Development Committee, led by young Mainers and housed under the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. The committee will work to promote, coordinate and implement programs designed to improve opportunities for young people across Maine, in addition to collecting key data on young Mainers that will influence future workforce development and economic policy recommendations.
"Maine youth are knowledgeable about the issues that impact them most," said Warren. "LD 1497 enables our youth to participate in conversations regarding the economic policy that have a current and future direct impact on their lives. Additionally, it presents further incentive for young Mainers to continue to live and work in our state."
"We are thrilled and grateful that the committee understands how important it is to have young people involved in policy at every level here in Maine," said Thea Sweet, Youth Impact Commission organizer. "If we are serious about attracting and keeping young people in Maine, they have to be involved from the very beginning, through a sustained and concerted effort. That's what this bill does and we are incredibly excited about this outcome.
LD 1497 faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Warren, House chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents Hallowell, Manchester and West Gardiner.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Warren], c. 812-1111