We proudly support Question 4 on the Nov. 8 ballot because it will bring more jobs and opportunity to our area. The question provides for the creation of thousands of new jobs statewide.

Question 4 not only builds new job opportunities, but it also provides the resources to connect employers and potential employees. More than $2 million is specifically dedicated to establishing a career center at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

While the career center will be a great resource for students and community members, our local businesses will also benefit from additional funds to the Small Enterprise Growth Fund, which invests in small businesses with high potential for growth.

This bond initiative focuses on development of new and existing businesses and expansion of research opportunities at our colleges and universities for biomedical and marine sciences. Our investment of $22 million will be more than doubled by federal matching funds and private grants.

Beyond the millions of dollars that this bond initiative will pump into the statewide economy through research, development and job creation, this bond initiative will enable new industries to ensure long-term growth and a significant return on our investment. We hope you will join us on Nov. 8 in voting yes on Question 4 for a brighter future for Maine.

Reps. Sonya Sampson

and William Walcott, Lewiston