Maine § 13070-P. - Comprehensive evaluation of state investments in economic development

(1) Opportunities to modify the current portfolio of state economic development investments, particularly with regard to level of investment or types of activities and programs, in order to better align resources with the state strategic economic improvement plan and more cost-effectively support achievement of goals, objectives and performance targets associated with the plan;  

(2) Opportunities to shift investments from economic development activities and programs to other state efforts in order to better align resources with the state strategic economic improvement plan and more cost-effectively support achievement of goals, objectives and performance targets associated with the plan;  

(3) Opportunities to improve transparency and accountability for state economic development investments, coordination among economic activities and programs in the portfolio or accessibility of business and other entities to those activities and programs; and  

(4) Areas for improvement.   [PL 2017, c. 264, §13 (NEW).]

E. In planning and conducting the evaluation, the department and independent reviewers may consider pertinent information available from the Maine Economic Growth Council, as established in Title 10, section 929‑A, and from reviews conducted by the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability, as established in Title 3, section 991. The independent reviewers may consult with the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability on accessing data, confidential or otherwise, necessary for the evaluation.   [PL 2017, c. 264, §13 (NEW).]

2.  Action on evaluation recommendations.  By February 1, 2021 and every 4 years thereafter, the commissioner shall present the evaluation and results from the most recent evaluation required under this section to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over economic development matters and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over taxation matters. The commissioner shall report to the Governor and the committees on actions planned by the department and other entities administering the programs to address the recommendations made. The committees shall also consider the independent reviewers' recommendations and may each submit a bill to the Legislature to implement recommendations.

By February 1, 2023 and by February 1st every 4 years thereafter, the commissioner shall submit to the Governor, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over economic development matters and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over taxation matters a progress report related to the evaluation required under this section that describes the implementation status of the planned actions to address the recommendations from the prior evaluation.