New data shows where Maine’s economy stacks up [Video]

Internet connectivity, transportation and income equality across different races all received high marks in the Maine Economic Growth Council’s annual report. Still, there is work to be done for the state’s economy. One issue identified as having room for improvement is Maine’s workforce. The workforce grew by 1% last year, but as Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Heather Johnson said, more growth is necessary. “Our median age of our workforce is older and so people are retiring more quickly than their naturally entering the workforce,” Johnson said.Not only is the workforce not keeping up with the demands, but many people can’t afford housing.The report shows that the number of Mainers who can’t afford to buy an average-sized home in the state jumped to 79%. “This is up dramatically from a few years ago,” Yellow Light Breen, President and CEO of Maine Development Foundation, said.Finally, the report shows children’s …