Committee votes to fund Maine Career Exploration coordinator position, making role permanent

Representative John Eder sponsored LD 967, an act to provide ongoing funds to continue support for the Maine Career Exploration (MCE) program and to make permanent a public-service coordinator position in the Department of Economic and Community Development that supports paid career exploration opportunities for 16- to 24-year-olds. The program, launched in 2022 through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, connects young people with paid career experiences, DECD materials state.

Committee discussion focused on ensuring continuity for the coordinator position even if direct appropriation is not available in a given fiscal year. Representative Collamore proposed language (and members discussed it) so the permanent position could be funded by appropriation or by grants and not lapse if appropriations are constrained. "So that position does not go away due to lack of appropriation funding," a committee member said while offering the amendment for the record.

Representative Mark Mallon moved that LD 967 "ought to pass as amended" to include the funding flexibility and the motion was seconded. The committee voted by roll call and the work session record shows the motion "ought to pass as amended" carried unanimously of those present. The committee directed staff to prepare final language for the engrossment and noted the amendment's aim to retain program continuity regardless of year-to-year appropriations.

No additional fiscal detail was requested in the work session; the bill text provides the appropriation line items underlying the permanent position.