Maine Dept. of Labor to Hold Competitive Skills Scholarship Public Hearing on February 10th, 2026

February 4, 2026

Maine Dept. of Labor to Hold Competitive Skills Scholarship Public Hearing on February 10th, 2026

This email serves as a reminder of the upcoming public hearing on proposed amendments to the Rule Governing the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP). It also includes a link to the Maine Department of Labor's rulemaking webpage, where interested parties can find instructions for submitting written public comment and access the redlined version of the proposed rule amendments.

The Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services, is developing proposed amendments to the CSSP rule. The Program provides funding and support services for eligible Maine residents to pursue associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or employer-recognized credentials leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs in Maine.

Changes to the rule are necessary in response to PL 2025 c. 396, An Act to Amend the Law Governing the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program and Establish the Community Workforce Connections Program. The public hearing is being held to solicit input on statutory requirements that may need clarification and components of the rule that may need to be updated, building on input received during the October 14 listening session.

The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Frances Perkins Room at the Maine Department of Labor's central office, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta. Public comment may be provided in writing or by attending the hearing either virtually or in person.

Instructions for submitting written comments, registering to participate, and accessing the redlined rule are available on the Maine Department of Labors rulemaking webpage: https://www.maine.gov/labor/rulemaking/