AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to provide funding for wildlife rehabilitators was unanimously approved by the Maine House of Representatives Wednesday.
The bill, LD 1012, An Act To Fund Wildlife Rehabilitators, seeks to help 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.
"I am very pleased with the support this bill received in the House," said Fay. "Not only will the additional funds help the rehabilitators rescue animals and restore them to the wild, it also shows the scouts that their efforts at the Legislature can make a difference."
The bill was amended into an appropriation from the General Fund for the Outdoor Heritage Fund. 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, which have declined over the last few years.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming days.
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