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Amend the order by striking out all of the title and substituting the following:
‘Joint Order Directing the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development To Develop a Comprehensive Plan To Achieve Sustainable Prosperity in the State’
Amend the order by striking out everything after the preamble and inserting the following:
‘
 
the Senate concurring, that the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development, referred to in this order as "the committee," shall develop a comprehensive plan to achieve sustainable prosperity in the State.
1. Duties. To develop the plan, the committee shall:
A. Review recent reports aimed at addressing the long-term growth of the State's economy and the preservation of our quality of life, including, but not limited to:
(1) "Charting Maine’s Future: An Action Plan for Promoting Sustainable Prosperity and Quality Places," by the Brookings Institution;
(2) The final report of the Joint Select Committee on Research, Economic Development and the Innovation Economy;
(3) The report of the Governor's Council on Jobs, Innovation and the Economy;
(4) "Economic Development Programs in Maine - EDPs Still Lack Elements Critical for Performance Evaluation and Public Accountability," from the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability; and
(5) "Maine Comprehensive Research and Development Evaluation 2006," February 6, 2007, prepared pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, section 13108;
B. Seek comments and recommendations from selected joint standing committees on elements of the plan that fall within their jurisdictions, including, but not limited to:
(1) From the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on investments in public lands necessary to preserve the State’s quality of place;
(2) From the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs on potential future cuts and spending limitations at various levels of government;
(3) From the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government on investments in state, county and municipal infrastructure necessary to preserve the State’s quality of place;
(4) From the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation on the tax structure necessary to support sustainable growth in the State’s economy;
(5) From the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation on the transportation infrastructure necessary to support sustainable growth in the State’s economy, including highways, railroads and port facilities;
(6) From the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs on investments in higher education; and
(7) From the Government Oversight Committee on locating efficiencies and savings in State Government; and
C. Develop recommendations for future legislative action to expand the State's economy over the long term and to identify and address threats to the State’s quality of life.
2. Meetings. In conducting its duties, the committee may meet with any individuals, departments, organizations or institutions it considers appropriate.
3. Staff assistance. The Office of Policy and Legal Analysis and the Office of Fiscal and Program Review shall provide staffing and clerical assistance to the committee and may, within existing resources, obtain technical assistance from appropriate sources.
4. Compensation. Members of the committee are entitled to receive the legislative per diem as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2 and reimbursement for travel for attendance at meetings of the committee held during the legislative interim.
5. Report. The committee shall submit its findings and recommendations, along with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature by January 2, 2008.’
 
SUMMARY
This amendment accomplishes the following.
1. It requires the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development to perform the duties of the proposed Joint Select Committee on Prosperity.
2. It amends the scope of information requested from the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs.
3. It amends the description of the information requested by the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government.
4. It removes language requiring an initial report.