AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to provide funding for wildlife rehabilitators was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills Monday.
The bill, LD 1012, An Act To Provide Funding for the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Program, will fund grants including those that seek to fund organizations that provide professional care to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals so they can be returned to their natural habitats.
The bill is the result of Fay's work with Tri-Town Girl Scout Troop 30 from Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls. Fay was contacted by the troop with their concerns that injured or abandoned wild animals did not have access to care that would allow them to recover and be released back into the wild. Fay has been working with the troop since late 2019 to bring this bill forward. During that time, they learned about the legislative process and how to present testimony at public hearings.
"Working on this bill has been a really great experience," said Fay. "Watching the girl scouts learn about the legislative process and seeing how happy they were that their idea was validated was a highlight of the session."
The bill was amended by the committee into an appropriation of $150,000 from the General Fund for the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which is tasked with supporting conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. The Outdoor Heritage Fund was founded, in part, by the late conservationist and outdoor writer George Smith. The fund is currently supported solely by dedicated lottery tickets sales.
The law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature's special session adjourns.
Fay is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents part of Casco, part of Poland and part of Raymond. She serves on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Fay], c. 812-1111
Photo: Governor Janet Mills ceremonially signs LD 1012. From left to right, Judy Camuso, Commissioner of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife; Gordon Smith, brother of the late George Smith; Rep. Scott Landry; Rep. Allison Hepler; members of Maine Girl Scout Troop 30; Gov. Janet Mills; Rep. Jessica Fay.