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June 26, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Susan Austin Named to National Panel on Labor and Economic Development

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Susan Austin has been appointed to serve on the Standing Committee on Labor and Economic Development at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The appointment was made by House Speaker Hannah Pingree.

Rep. Austin (R-Gray), a fourth-term legislator, said the appointment is a good fit with her legislative background of four terms on the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee.

The NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, plus its commonwealths and territories. The organization provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues.

“I’m looking forward to meeting legislators from other parts of the country,” Rep. Austin said. “Economic development is a central concern here in Maine, and this is an opportunity to learn about the kind of strategies being used in other states. Various states share the same problems, and if legislators can share solutions it’s beneficial to everyone.”

The Labor and Economic Development Committee is one of 12 standing committees of the NCSL. The committee covers state and federal issues related to labor, employment, workforce and economic development, international trade and cultural affairs. The committee educates Congress and federal agencies about state concerns related to federal actions that impact the states, based on policy positions adopted by the states through NCSL's policy process.

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