Press Release - Governor Baldacci Celebrates Success of His Community College System
Press Release - Governor Baldacci Celebrates Success of His Community College System
September 27, 2006
AUBURN - Governor John E. Baldacci called investments in education a core and primary component of his economic plan today while at Central Maine Community College. The Governor was at CMMC to celebrate the 4.4% increase in enrollment in the Community College System this fall and a 48% increase over the last four years since Governor Baldacci established the Community College system.
"Almost four years ago, I created the Community College System to open the door of college to those who have been dissuaded by cost or by apprehension," said Governor Baldacci. "Since then, enrollment in Community Colleges has exploded."
95% of the Community College graduates are placed in jobs or end up continuing their education. Of those who are placed in jobs, 96% find jobs in Maine. At the press event, Governor Baldacci talked about a recent example of a business moving to Maine because of its pool of skilled labor.
"According to a newspaper story, the major tenant in a new building in Portland will be the Council on International Educational Exchange, which will bring 100 new jobs to Portland from Boston," said the Governor. "The CEO said they were moving to Maine because they are able to attract talented people right here in Maine."
The Governor told the group that the purpose for the Community College system was to give more Maine residents the opportunities they look for in the state.
"Higher education results in higher paying jobs, more job stability and a more stable economy," said Governor Baldacci. "That is why I established the Maine Community College System, because I wanted to create these more opportunities for more ready, willing and able Mainers."
Governor Baldacci congratulated the Community Colleges on the increased enrollment, and the Maine work force for being world renowned as a hard working group, but stressed that more work needs to be done.
"We must continue increasing the levels of enrollment at our Community Colleges and Universities throughout the state," said Governor Baldacci. "By 2008, my plan is to have the Early College for ME program in every high school in Maine; and we must continue investing in research and development as well as higher education, which is an investment in our state."
Governor Baldacci's investments in Maine have included private college savings accounts through NextGen; employer contributions through a pilot program with the Maine Department of Labor; as well as tax incentive programs including the Pine Tree Zone program. The Governor heralded the Pine Tree Zone program, saying that when investments are made in Maine youth, the program creates opportunities for them to stay in Maine.
Governor Baldacci has continually worked to provide opportunities for all Maine citizens - opportunity to protect our environment, pursue education, have health care and achieve a sustainable economy. Throughout his administration he has balanced budgets without raising broad-based taxes and lived within spending caps; provided health insurance to thousands of Maine citizens through Dirigo Health; preserved hundreds of thousands of acres of land in Maine; and provided 50% of the cost of K-12 education while providing property tax relief.
"State government cannot guarantee success, but we can guarantee opportunity," said Governor Baldacci. "We can continue making investments, and opening doors; which is exactly what we have accomplished with this Community College System and it is what we will continue to do."
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