Jobs and Economic Development
As our economy continues to struggle with the down economy, our number one priority should be getting Mainers back to work. To do that, we need investment in our state and support for small businesses.
American Jobs Act
I'm supporting many proposals in President Obama's American Jobs Act. It would support thousands of jobs in Maine, help fix our infrastructure, and provide tax cuts to the people and businesses who need them. Find out more here.
Investing in our Infrastructure
Maine needs a strong infrastructure to compete on a national and global scale. I've been a strong supporter of fixing our infrastructure—such as replacing Memorial Bridge in York—while expanding our technology, like bringing broadband Internet to rural areas of the state. I also believe we need a strong transportation network, which is why I have supported extending the Downeaster line to Brunswick and expanding options for alternative transportation.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small businesses truly are the backbone of Maine's economy and one thing I hear most from them is the need for capital. As a small business owner myself, I couldn't agree more. That's why I've supported expanding Small Business Administration loan programs, cutting unnecessary regulations, and have worked to connect our small businesses with larger federal contractors.
Brunswick Naval Air Station
The closing of Brunswick Naval Air Station marks the end of an era and leaves a hole in the regional economy. But redeveloping the site presents an excellent opportunity to create new jobs for the area. I helped the local redevelopment authority acquire the site for no cost from the Navy, and have been happy to see new businesses use the facilities, including Kestrel Aviation, Resilient Communications, Molnlycke Health Care, the Brunswick Executive Airport, and a new campus of Southern Maine Community College.
Clean Energy
Maine is working to become a leader in clean energy, including offshore wind power and tidal power. Learn more here.
Local Foods
I am strong supporter of Maine's efforts to support local foods and local farms because there's no need to buy food from across the globe or country when our neighbors are already producing fresh, healthy produce. As member of the House Agriculture Committee, I'm working for federal policy that better supports creation of these local jobs. Learn more here.
Working Waterfronts
Maine's 20 miles of working waterfronts support 30,000 jobs, but are vulnerable to development. Communities need more resources to protect these critical places so generations of Mainers can continue making their living from the water. Learn more here.
More on Jobs and Economic Development
A brewing industry roundtable Pingree hosted in July 2016
Many species of wildlife will benefit from the conserved habitat, including monarch butterfly, American woodcock, and New England cottontail. (Images courtesy USFWS)
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that InnovaSea Systems in Augusta will receive a $99,771 Small Business Innovation Research grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research the feasibility of using wood fiber composite materials for the aquaculture pens it manufactures.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) headquartered in Portland is getting a $5.35 million Department of Energy grant to finish development of the commercial design of its TidGen Power System. The new design will be tested, operated and monitored in Washington County. This DOE funded project is a critical next step in the eventual deployment of the company's proposed 5MW Maine Tidal Energy Project.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced that Maine will receive $7,340,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Program to assess and cleanup polluted properties throughout the state.
Congresswoman Pingree with U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary and Senator Angus King at the announcement.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that Bath Iron Works is in line to get an agreement to build another DDG 51 destroyer, in addition to the five that the yard already has contracted with the Navy for. The contract for the extra ship is triggered by a 2002 agreement with the Navy that gives BIW another DDG 51 if the Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi is awarded a contract to build an amphibious attack ship. The Navy announced yesterday that they had agreed to build that amphibious ship in Mississippi and would honor the swap with BIW.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today voiced her continued support for designating land in Maine’s North Woods donated by Elliotsville Plantation Inc. (EPI) as a National Monument or National Park.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said the text of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal released today confirms that it would be a bad deal for Maine and the country.
"The TPP would undermine basic safety standards for imported food, medicines and even toys," Pingree said. "And it would be a lousy deal for American manufacturers, putting them in direct competition with countries where workers are paid 65 cents an hour."