Whereas, the State's elementary and secondary students consistently perform at or near the top nationally in standardized tests; and

Whereas, the percentage of the State's students who graduate from high school is at a very high rate of over 85%; and

Whereas, despite their demonstrated abilities and successes, Maine students go on to college at a rate far below the national average; and

Whereas, according to the "2001 Measures of Growth" issued by the Maine Development Foundation, the percentage of Maine residents over 25 years of age with at least a four-year degrees is 24.1%, well below the New England average of 30.8% and the national average of 26.0%; and

Whereas, over recent years a number of worthwhile efforts have been undertaken to increase the educational achievement of Maine students, yet Maine continues to lag significantly behind the rest of New England and the rest of the country in the level of educational attainment; and

Whereas, these efforts include expansions in scholarship assistance, creation of the Community College Partnership and increases in base funding for the University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy and the Maine Technical College System; and

Whereas, this legislation establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission on Postsecondary Educational Attainment, which is charged with the duty of assessing the economic impact on the State of increasing levels of educational attainment and developing a plan to address this problem; and

Whereas, in order for the appointing authorities to make their appointments and for the commission to have sufficient time to conclude its work, it is necessary for this legislation to take effect immediately; 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