By Rep. Parnell Terry
As the son and grandson of U.S. military veterans, I know that the transition to civilian life is not always easy. This session, I’ve introduced legislation that would help with that transition. LD 620, which was recently advanced by Maine House of Representatives and also unanimously supported by the Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, would provide funding for organizations that recruit retiring military members and their families to Maine, offering support as they transition to civilian life.
This measure builds on the success of an existing pilot project created by the Legislature in 2022 within Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development.
Knowing my dad, grandpa and many other hardworking veterans, I believe that the skills taught in the armed services, as well as the work ethic embodied by our military members, are synonymous with Maine values.
Recruiting and providing support to retiring servicemembers, and their spouses and families, is not just a good cultural fit, but will also strengthen our economy. While our state is grappling with an aging workforce, these dedicated individuals can be connected with Maine employers that are struggling to hire and retain employees – making the measure a win-win for veterans and businesses.
I am so proud to advocate for this work. I know that Maine will continue to benefit from supporting an official recruiting framework that many other states already have, and I am also grateful for my colleagues and the stakeholders who have been doing this work for years. In 2024, following the creation of the pilot program, the primary organization recruiting active-duty military members, veterans and military spouses had supported more than 825 new Mainers in putting down roots.
Results from the pilot project showed that 94 percent of the candidates who completed the program found work within 60 days of arriving in Maine. Eighty percent of enrollees were married with children, and 85 percent purchased a home within 12 months. Sixty-five percent of those participants were not originally from Maine and neither was their spouse. Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians. Twelve to 18 months before they leave, these servicemembers are often actively looking for where to begin the next chapter of their lives. Having a permanently funded program is key to ensuring Maine is promoted as a welcoming place for transitioning military members and their families.
As the Legislature considers this measure and continues to work to find creative ways to bolster our workforce, I’d also like to highlight some existing resources we have in Maine for veterans and others to help them find employment in our state. Boots2roots is one such organization for active-duty servicemembers and veterans that partner with local employers like Bath Iron Works, Bangor Savings Bank, Martin’s Point Health Care and many more. The Maine Department of Labor is also a hub of resources, providing information on available apprenticeship programs, veterans services and general jobseeker resources, including hiring events.
I will be sure to keep you updated on the progress of LD 620 as it moves through the legislative process, and I look forward to hearing your feedback. As always, please feel free to contact me at Parnell.Terry@legislature.maine.gov with your questions and concerns. I can best represent our community by hearing your thoughts on legislation and issues both in our district and across the state.
Rep. Terry is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents part of Gorham. Terry is a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.