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August 11, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Mike Thibodeau Named to Prominent National Leadership Committees

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Mike Thibodeau has been named to two influential national panels, both part of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree made the appointments, which take effect immediately.

Rep. Thibodea (R-Winterport) will join the NCSL’s Standing Committee on Agriculture and Energy and the Standing Committee on Labor and Economic Development. “I’m honored by these appointments and by the opportunity to represent Maine at the national level,” he said. “These NCSL committees will be forums for legislators from all over the country to share approaches and solutions to energy and economic development issues. Here in Maine, we have challenges and opportunities in both of these areas, so hopefully I’ll be able to learn about innovations and solutions in other states.”

Rep. Thibodeau, a second-term lawmaker, is already pulling double duty in the Maine Legislature, where he serves on the Labor Committee and the Utilities and Energy Committee.

NCSL’s Labor and Economic Development Committee covers state and federal issues related to labor, employment, workforce and economic development, international trade and cultural affairs. The Committee’s jurisdiction also includes pensions, Social Security, employment training and right-to-work laws.

The Committee on Agriculture and Energy has jurisdiction over state and federal agriculture and rural development legislation, natural resources legislation and energy and electric utilities legislation. The Committee also has recently addressed such issues as energy security, water allocation dispute resolution and cost-benefit analysis of environmental regulations.

NCSL committees have no actual legislative authority. Instead, they attempt to educate Congress and federal agencies as to state concerns regarding the most pressing state issues. In addition, they serve as a forum for legislators and legislative staff to share information about policy options being considered in other states.

The NCSL, based in Denver, is a bipartisan organization that advocates for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

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