PITTSFIELD, ME– Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited local businesses in Skowhegan to hear from small business owners and community leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses in Somerset County, and toured the Cianbro Institute, the new workforce development center at Cianbro Corporation Inc., to discuss economic development strategies that can strengthen the workforce and create jobs in rural Maine.

“Today was all about listening to community leaders and business owners in Somerset County about ways we can make rural Maine succeed and grow,” said Senator King. “Every business I visit, in Somerset County and around the state, tells me that they need more qualified workers. Given this ongoing challenge, it is encouraging to see places like the Cianbro Institute teaching young Maine people the skills that will not only help them make a living and support their families, but also advance their careers and play an important part in our state economy.”

During Senator King’s visits to Skowhegan-area businesses, he was joined by Jason Gayne, Executive Director of the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce. Senator King also stopped by the Pittsfield Fire Department and discussed the manpower shortage affecting rural Maine Fire Departments with Chief Bernard Williams. He ended the day at the Cianbro Institute, an educational facility that aims to develop and enhance the skills of craftsmen and women in the construction industry and increase the number of highly-qualified construction professionals in Maine.

Senator King has made workforce development one of his top priorities and outlined strategies to modernize and expand Maine’s workforce in the economic agenda he introduced in April 2017. Senator King supported the March omnibus spending bill – despite reservations regarding the rising deficit – in part because of important opportunities for economic growth, including a $75 million increase for the Perkins Career and Technical Education state grant and a $15 million increase in funding for Jobs Corps. The Loring Jobs Corps Center in Limestone and the Penobscot Job Corps Center in Bangor provide disadvantaged youth with the skills needed to obtain and hold a job, enter the Armed Forces, or enroll in advanced training or higher education. The January 2017 assessment from the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT), originally requested by Senators Collins and King in March 2016, also outlined strategies to grow Maine’s economy and bolster the workforce in rural parts of the state.

Throughout the day, business owners and community leaders also highlighted the importance of broadband infrastructure to rural Maine, which is also a key part of Senator King’s economic agenda. During his time in office, Senator King has supported the modernization of federal broadband programs, including the FCC’s E-rate program, which supports school and library internet access. Last August, he hosted a listening tour with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to discuss the importance of rural broadband for rural education, healthcare, and economic growth. Senator King is also a co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus.