DATA / LINKS / RESOURCES
regarding Military Job Diversification
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- Almost 10% of Maine's GDP is dependent on military contracting, producing everything from destroyers to footwear and apparel, and providing services such as submarine repair and health care contracting. That reliance on continued spending ($3,303.53 per capita, the fourth highest in the country) makes Maine especially vulnerable to expected reductions in Pentagon spending.
- Data shows that defense spending is not a reliable jobs creator. In a recent study compiled by the University of Massachusetts, $1 billion in Pentagon spending results in 11,200 jobs, while comparable investment in education results in 26,700 jobs being created. Other sectors fared better, as well: clean energy results in 16,800 jobs, health care creates 17,200 jobs, and even returning that money to taxpayers could result in 15,100 new jobs.
You’ll find this information along with more helpful data in the 2011 report, THE U.S. EMPLOYMENT EFFECTS OF MILITARY AND DOMESTIC SPENDING PRIORITIES, from University of Massachussettes, Amherst.
- Institute for Policy Studies: “Demilitarizing the Economy: A Movement is Underway”
"AS we end the longest period of war in our history, we should be entering a period of postwar downsizing – but what about the communities dependent on the massive post-9/11 military budget?"
- Military Spending in Maine: “Maine is 22nd in the country in Pentagon prime contract awards, receiving over $4 billion in FY2011. It is 4th in the country for $3,303.53 in contract awards per capita. Prime Pentagon spending accounted for 9.7% of Maine’s overall GDP in 2011.”
- Friends Committee on National Legislation web site: “Protecting Jobs through Responsible Reductions”
“Diversification will reduce dependency on Pentagon contracts. Dependent local communities would be strengthened by developing independent industries with a more diverse customer base. New investments and technical assistance can strengthen these communities, and support a successful adjustment to a new and diversified local economy.”
- World Beyond War.org: “Federal Grants Available to Help Cities and Towns Adjust to Military Cuts”
- NBC News Report: “Pentagon Set to Slash Military to Pre WWII Levels”
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