AUGUSTA - Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Joint Select Committee on Housing that would increase the state's annual shelter-operating subsidy from $2.5 million to $12.5 million.

AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, introduced legislation before the Joint Select Committee on Housing that would amend local zoning regulations to allow manufactured houses on single-family lots.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife voted in unanimous support of all present for legislation sponsored by Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, to expand moose hunting opportunities for Maine kids experiencing a critical or terminal illness.

AUGUSTA - On Monday, Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, presented legislation that would make it easier for more Mainers to grow their own food at a public hearing before the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

Like so many towns up and down the coast of Maine, our lovely seaside community sustained devastating damage during the storms we experienced this month. Property owners, working waterfronts and businesses alike are now trying to pick up the pieces and deal with the adverse economic consequences.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Select Committee on Housing voted with unanimous support for legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, to expand affordable housing.

The bill would amend the Maine Cooperative Affordable Housing Ownership Act to include group equity cooperatives. It would also provide that a housing assistance program must be made reasonably available to residents of housing cooperatives.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, and supporters of a measure calling for action on climate change will hold a press conference in the State House Welcome Center tomorrow, Jan. 18, at noon.

The Joint Resolution, sponsored by Millett, calls on Congress to support a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. The Maine House is expected to take up the measure tomorrow.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted Wednesday to advance a proposal by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, to increase behavioral health support for Maine's first responders. The vote was unanimous among committee members present.

AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Maine's Legislative Council voted to advance a bill from Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, that would help more Mainers access birth control by requiring state-regulated health insurance plans to cover over-the-counter contraceptives.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted Monday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, to strengthen the support system for people reentering society from incarceration.