Resolve, Establishing a Blue Ribbon Panel To Address Disparities in Economic Development between the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the State and the United States

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this legislation establishes the Blue Ribbon Panel To Address Disparities in Economic Development between the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the State and the United States; and

Whereas,  the panel must be established before the 90-day period expires in order that the panel may complete its work and submit its report in time for the next legislative session; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Blue ribbon panel established. Resolved: That the Blue Ribbon Panel To Address Disparities in Economic Development between the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the State and the United States, referred to in this resolve as "the panel," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Panel membership. Resolved: That the panel consists of the following members:

1. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. Four members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

3. The 2 economic development directors from the Passamaquoddy reservations;

4. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development or the commissioner's designee;

5. The Director of the Eastern Maine Development Corporation or the director's designee; and

6. A representative from the Sunrise County Economic Development Council, designated by the council.

The United States Secretary of the Interior is invited to designate a representative to serve as a voting member of the panel.

Each of the 4 Members of the Maine Congressional Delegation is invited to designate a representative to serve as a voting member of the panel; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair of the panel and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the panel; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of panel. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the panel, which must be no later than August 1, 2009; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the panel shall examine disparities in economic development between the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the State and the United States and how to best address those disparities; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Department of Economic and Community Development shall provide necessary staffing services to the panel; and be it further

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 2, 2009, the panel shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature. The Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development is authorized to introduce a bill related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature upon receipt of the report.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This resolve establishes the Blue Ribbon Panel To Address Disparities in Economic Development between the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the State and the United States. The panel shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature. The Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development may introduce a bill related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.