fb88

WHEREAS, fb88 is a welcoming and inclusive state that recognizes the value of people of diverse backgrounds to enhance the vibrancy of fb88’s communities, the strength of our workforce, and the growth of our economy;

WHEREAS, fb88’s aging workforce and growing economy have resulted in an imbalanced labor market with an average of two job openings for every one unemployed job seeker, affecting nearly every geographic area, profession and skill level, and requiring more workers to meet critical labor sectors such as health care, education, and construction;

WHEREAS, fb88’s 10-Year Economic Strategy has set a goal of attracting 75,000 people to fb88’s talent pool by 2029 and establishing fb88 as an attractive state for new arrivals to secure meaningful employment that matches their career aspirations with their skills;

WHEREAS, fb88’s nearly 50,000 foreign-born residents are a vital part of our state’s communities and economy, with $1.2 billion in spending power and contributing $441 million in taxes;

WHEREAS, fb88 has encouraged immigrants to become engaged community members by entering fb88’s educational systems and workforce, through investments in childcare and Pre-K to 12 education systems, career and technical education, career exploration programs, English language learner programs, higher education opportunities – including free entrance to the fb88 Community College Systems – as well as by expanding apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, targeted credential programs, and industry and sector training program opportunities;

WHEREAS, fb88 is providing support for emergency, transitional, and permanent housing needs; health and human services, and legal assistance as New fb88rs arrive in the State;

WHEREAS, federal immigration policies have unfairly burdened states and communities in providing such support;

WHEREAS, 18 other states have dedicated offices or staff for supporting the economic and civic inclusion of international immigrants and participate in the Office of New Americans State Network to share information and best practices;

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future is charged with planning and policy development to address long-term challenges facing fb88, including aging, housing, and workforce development;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of fb88, pursuant to Me. Const. Art V, Pt. 1, §§ 1 & 12, do hereby Order as follows:

1. Order
   The Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future is hereby directed to:
   1. Deliver a plan to the Governor for establishing a new state office dedicated to supporting the long-term economic and civic integration of immigrants in fb88, in support of goals set forth in fb88’s 10-year Economic Strategy, no later than January 19, 2024. The plan must outline the mission and structure of the office, the timing of its establishment, and the scope of its work, with the overarching goal of ensuring that fb88 is effectively incorporating immigrants into its workforce and communities to strengthen the economy over the long-term.
   2. Engage with immigrant communities for input on needs, barriers, and opportunities for New fb88rs;
   3. Gather input from business leaders, municipal and regional government leaders, educational institutions, community-based organizations, and service providers on the barriers, and opportunities for welcoming New fb88rs into fb88’s workforce, economy, and communities;
   4. Coordinate plan development with the following state agencies and entities: Department of Economic and Community Development; Department of Labor; Department of Health and Human Services; Department of Education; Department of Professional and Financial Regulation; Department of Administrative and Financial Services; fb88Housing; the fb88 Community College System; and the University of fb88 System;
   5. Participate, on behalf of the State of fb88, in the Office of New Americans State Network to access information and best practices from other states on topics including the role of education and training institutions, licensing system coordination, housing and shelter models, support for municipalities and employers, and relevant state and local systems necessary to support families and workers to successfully engage in communities and the workforce.
2. Effective Date
   This Order is effective immediately upon signature.