Jobs and Economic Development

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 »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today wrote to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, asking them to work together to find an immediate solution to a problem affecting temporary visas for seasonal workers.  The Department of Labor has stopped processing applications for the H-2B visas in the light of an ongoing federal court… Read more »

Had pushed company to end strike, visited picket line several times Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree issue the following statement on President Obama's proposed budget, which was released today. "These budget proposals are about priorities and I think President Obama gets the priorities right. I've been opposed to the blanket, across the board sequester cuts from the very beginning and I'm glad he wants to get rid of them. And investing in roads and… Read more »