The Permanent Commission was established in 2019 as an independent entity with a mission to examine racial disparities across all systems and to specifically work at improving the status and outcomes for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in the state. The Permanent Commission is empowered by statute to advise and consult with all three branches of state government, as well as submit legislation. Occupying a unique position in state government, the Permanent Commission represents a broad cross section of people most impacted by racial harm and colonization who have been excluded from policy making throughout Maine’s history.
