Military Job Diversification Planning in Maine

 

THE TOPIC:

The core group of MCSE arrived at the decision to inspire a wide community dialogue on the issue of our state's reliance on military jobs in the spring of 2014. After doing some research, and having frequent meetings and discussions, it was felt that sharing information on the topic with our friends and neighbors was important, as the details and data can certainly drive people in the opposite direction. Perhaps by distilling the information down to important numbers and (very surprising) facts, we might help inspire the public to engage in dialogue with legislators.

 

 

THE GOAL:

Our goal with this particular project is to enlighten, inspire, and eventually effect change in Augusta with the creation of a legislative commission, tasked with preparing a plan and a timeline for Maine to prepare for coming Pentagon budget cuts. The goal is to create new, non-military industry with Maine's skilled workers, and to save jobs. Becoming dependent on federal, military dollars is, we feel, an unhealthy habit and one that is all too easy to fall into.

 

 

THE FORUM:

The first thing MCSE organized to begin the community discussion on planning for job diversification in Maine was a free, public forum -- "Ships, Shoes, and Submarines: Maine's Dependence on Military Jobs" --  held in Bath this summer.  We were so pleased to have a knowledgable, inspired panel to address the issue. Over 100 people attended, on a beautiful summer evening in Maine when the outdoors beckoned. 

 

For more information on the event, please see this page.

 

FACTS AND DATA / HELPFUL RESOURCES:

You'll find a number of useful links and some helpful data on our RESOURCES PAGE. Feel free to share them.

 

You'll also find updates and announcements on the NEWS page.

 

 

FORWARD: Meetings and Planning

We met with Senator Angus King on July 18, and had a very fruitful discussion on the topic. We are planning meetings at this time with other lawmakers, and anticipating meetings with gubernatorial candidates before the November election.  Please stay tuned.

 

posted: July 24, 2014

 

 

 

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