By SEN. JOHN TUTTLE
Columnist
The Maine economy is a topic we address regularly at the Statehouse, as it is the most important issue we face. Our discussions often focus on how best to attract high-quality jobs and train our workforce to fill these roles.
We all are familiar with the role Maine shipyards play in the defense of our nation, and we are well aware of the outstanding jobs the shipyards create for Maine workers. Less familiar to us might be the emerging role Maine is undertaking to strengthen our nation’s air defenses. The Air Force, the Navy and the Marines have forged a common initiative called the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program and it represents the next generation of fighter jets for our country. Maine is integral to the production of this new aircraft: Pratt & Whitney of North Berwick has a major role in the manufacturing of the jets’ engines.
At present, the F-35 Lightning II is being produced at the rate of one or two a month. The current impact for Maine amounts to $69.5 million in economic activity and 845 jobs. When in full production, it is expected that 200-220 aircraft will be produced per year. Imagine what the economic impact for Maine will be then. This initiative deserves our attention and consideration.
We know that the production of this aircraft requires highly skilled workers who will command good pay and benefits. These workers will be assets to the Maine economy for years to come.
But we need to make sure that Mainers are prepared to fill these jobs when they open up. This is where our community colleges come in.
York County Community College is now launching the Precision Machining Technology Program in Sanford. Students will be trained in mathematics, physics, engineering technology, manufacturing processes and methods, and more. Knowing that they needed more funds to meet the needs of this program, I submitted a bill to increase York County Community College’s funding.
At the same time that I put in this measure, the Legislature created a new committee to address Maine’s workforce and economic future. This committee’s specific focus is to address workforce development needs, such as Pratt & Whitney’s, statewide. I supported folding my measure into a larger workforce development measure sponsored by Senate President Justin Alfond that also includes investment in our community college system.
But in order for us to put these efforts to work in North Berwick, we need Congress to continue to support this project. The F-35 is of considerable interest to our allies, with 10 countries planning to purchase hundreds of these aircraft. There are few exporting opportunities that land on Maine’s doorstep that come anywhere near approaching the magnitude in value of these exports.
The president recently submitted his budget to Congress, and in doing so, reaffirmed his commitment to the F-35 Lightning II. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, each hold positions on their respective federal appropriations committees and as such will play key roles in the deliberations on the budget. We know they work hard for the people of Maine and we know they keep a close eye on ways to improve Maine’s economy while keeping our nation’s defenses strong.
I support their efforts and will do what I can to assist them from the State Senate. Supporting this program is good for our country, good for Maine and good for York County.
— Sen. John Tuttle, D-Sanford, represents Senate District 3 ”“ Alfred, Limington, Lyman, Sanford and Waterboro. His column will appear on the third Monday of each month. He can be reached at john.tuttle@legislature.maine.gov, and holds weekly office hours at his home, 176 Cottage St. in Sanford, every Sunday from 1-3 p.m.
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