AUGUSTA - For decades, natural resources have been vital to Maine's economy and identity. To protect the state's natural resources and the industries and communities that rely on them, House Democrats have recently introduced several pieces of legislation that foster rural economic development opportunities, expand access to agricultural education in public schools and support our heritage industries.
Together, these measures seek to maximize the economic potential and well-being of Maine's most cherished industries while preserving these resources for future generations.
LD 807, An Act to Create the Small Communities Tourism Fund, sponsored by Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, would provide support to small, rural communities across the state seeking to develop and promote events and natural resource-based tourism opportunities by establishing a grant program within the Department of Economic and Community Development's Office of Tourism. The bill had a public hearing on March 21. A work session has not been scheduled yet.
"Larger communities are more likely to have the infrastructure and manpower to compete for existing tourism funding opportunities, resources that our smaller towns simply do not have," said Perry. "The fund established by LD 807 will carve out an opportunity for communities that might benefit from smaller grant awards used to promote local fairs, races, parades and other largely volunteer-run events that showcase all that rural Maine has to offer."
LR 1575, An Act to Promote Experiential Agriculture Education in Maine Schools, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, would establish the Maine Experiential Education Grant Program to fund new agriculture-based education staff positions within Maine's public schools. These new positions would be dedicated to providing outdoor, experiential opportunities for students to learn about local food and agriculture systems, helping to foster healthy academic, physical and emotional development for Maine children. The bill has not been printed yet.
"Maine has deep roots in heritage industries like farming, fishing, logging and hunting," said Shaw. "The disciplines we pass on to our children through public education should reflect the importance of these industries and the skills needed to be successful in them. We owe it to our kids and to our environment to rediscover this connection to the land so that our traditions are not lost and we can responsibly feed ourselves and our families for years to come."
LD 798, An Act to Eliminate the Antlerless Deer Permit Fee for Holders of Senior Complimentary and Senior Lifetime Hunting Licenses, sponsored by Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, would eliminate the first $12 antlerless deer permit fee of the year for older Mainers with lifetime licenses and hunters with complimentary licenses, including disabled veterans and active duty service members. The bill had a public hearing on March 20. A work session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29.
LR 2356, An Act to Create the Lobster Industry Working Group, sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, would convene a group of stakeholders to examine the ways the state can better support the lobster industry in the face of new federal regulations. The bill has not been printed yet.
"I've heard from countless lobstermen in my community and across the state that federal fishing regulations pose a real threat to one of Maine's most cherished industries," said Golek. "Lobstermen feel their voices have not been heard and to me, that is just unacceptable. This bill will give lobstermen throughout Maine a seat at the table as we fight to protect this heritage industry and all of the livelihoods and coastal communities that it supports."
Contact:
Brian Lee [Perry, Shaw, Landry, Golek], 305-965-2744