Jobs and Economic Development

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted tonight to reopen the Export Import Bank after its authorization to operate expired this summer.  Congressional leaders had blocked any attempt to pass a bill to reauthorize the Bank until Pingree and her colleagues signed a discharge petition forcing a vote.   "It's outrageous that it took this long and required a petition by Members of… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined a successful effort to force House leaders to allow a vote on a bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank (ExIm).  Since a majority of all House members signed what's known as a discharge petition, the bill will have to be voted on by the full House, likely later this month.    "This has dragged on way too long," Pingree said.… Read more »

Seven Maine organizations are receiving over $700,000 in federal investments to promote the local food economy thanks to funding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree was able to insert in the Farm Bill that passed Congress in2014. "Every dollar we put into the local food economy stays in our community and generates jobs and income for the people who live here.  Building the farm economy is… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said that GE has decided to move work out of Maine and three other states because Congress has failed to reauthorize the agency that provides financing for U.S. companies exporting products overseas. General Electric announced today they are moving 500 jobs from facilities in Maine, Texas, New York and South Carolina to France, Hungary, and China because… Read more »

At a meeting today in Portland to discuss immigration issues with a coalition of Maine mayors, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced her plans to introduce federal legislation that would reduce the amount of time asylum seekers must wait to apply for a work permit. The bill will mirror legislation Angus King introduced in the U.S. Senate.  “What I heard today from these… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on news that a portion of Verso Paper’s Androscoggin Mill in Jay would be closed, laying off 300 employees.  “This is terrible news, especially in light of other recent mill closings across the state.  I’m heartbroken for these workers and their families, and will do everything I can to make sure… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is giving the Gulf of Maine Research Institute a $192,000 federal grant to work on the development of high-end sashimi-grade markets for Maine seafood. Read more »

Local Workforce Board project will serve 100 individuals over next two years in efforts to reduce recidivism Read more »

Rene Menard receives President’s “E” Award for school’s success in recruiting international students Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this afternoon that Department of Homeland Security has agreed to immediately resume processing of H-2B visas for seasonal workers.  "This is good news for small businesses in Maine who need to hire these workers to staff up for the summer tourist season.  A delay in processing these requests would have made life very difficult for these… Read more »