1. Institute established. The Maine Workforce, Research, Development and Student Achievement Institute, as established in Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 6-I and referred to in this subchapter as "the institute," is established to collect and analyze information related to workforce training and cost drivers for training, research and development, student debt and economic advancement in the State, to make policy recommendations to the Legislature and to conduct targeted research for the Legislature. [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] 2. Legislature to contract with university. The Legislature, through the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over innovation, development, economic advancement and business matters, shall contract with the University of Maine System to establish and maintain the institute. Personnel coordinating the work of the institute must be appointed by the University of Maine System in consultation with the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over innovation, development, economic advancement and business matters, and those personnel shall consult with and act on behalf of the Legislature, performing such data collection, analysis and research as the Legislature may require. [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] 3. State economic plan. The institute shall align its work with the priorities of the State's economic development strategy developed by the department pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] 4. Steering committee. The Maine Workforce, Research, Development and Student Achievement Institute Steering Committee, referred to in this section as "the steering committee," is established to advise the Legislature and the University of Maine System on all matters related to the institute. With the exception of ex officio members, steering committee members must be appointed by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over innovation, development, economic advancement and business matters for a term of 2 years. The steering committee shall meet at least 4 times each year and must include the following: A. One member from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] B. One member from the department; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] C. One member from the Department of Labor or the State Workforce Development Board, established under Title 26, section 2006; [PL 2025, c. 154, §1 (AMD).] D. One member from the University of Maine System; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] E. One member from the Maine Community College System; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] F. One member from a statewide organization representing business interests in the State; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] G. One member from a statewide organization responsible for promotion of individual economic opportunities; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] H. One member from a regional development organization serving one or more of the following: Aroostook County, Franklin County, Oxford County, Piscataquis County, Somerset County and Washington County; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] I. One member who is involved in career and technical education; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] J. One member who is employed in the public sector; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] K. One member who is employed in the private sector; [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] L. The State Economist, who serves ex officio; and [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] M. The chief executive officer of the Finance Authority of Maine or the chief executive officer's designee, who serves ex officio. [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] The steering committee shall elect a chair from among its members to serve a term of 2 years. [PL 2025, c. 154, §1 (AMD).] 5. Location and access. The analysis, recommendations and research results gathered pursuant to this subchapter must be maintained by the institute at the University of Maine System and must be available for use by any interested group or individual. [PL 2021, c. 450, §2 (NEW).] 6. Sunset. [PL 2023, c. 649, §2 (RP).]
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