AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business (IDEA) Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, aimed at strengthening Maine's veterinary workforce.
LD 1885 would expand the Maine Veterinary Medicine Loan Program by increasing the total number of available awards and by raising the maximum award amount. The proposal aims to help more people afford to practice veterinary medicine in Maine and reduce the current shortage of available care.
"I am grateful to the committee for their work on this bill," said Fay. "The unanimous, bipartisan vote in support is a testament to the importance of the veterinary workforce to people across the state."
"Everyone involved with this bill did a great job articulating their viewpoints and collaborating," said Rep. John Andrews, R-Paris, who serves on the IDEA Committee. "This bill will help to get much-needed veterinarians to areas that are currently underserved. It was great working with Rep. Fay and I thank her for including language to specify that Oxford County and other rural counties must be considered in the text of the bill."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Fay is serving her third term in the Maine Legislature and represents parts of Casco, Poland and Raymond. She serves on the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and the Government Oversight Committee.