• Read more about Eaton appointed to Lobster Zone Council

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, has been appointed to serve on the Department of Marine Resources Zone C Lobster Management Policy Council by Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, and Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.

Zone C encompasses the towns of Surry, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Sedgwick, Sargentville, Brooksville, Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle, Cape Rosier, Eagle Island, Stonington, Isle Au Haut, North Haven, Vinalhaven, Matinicus and Criehaven.

• Read more about Committee advances Golek bill to study establishing child care facilities in schools

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Thursday to advance an amended version of LD 1520, a measure from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, that would direct the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to study the feasibility of placing child care facilities in schools. The vote was 6-4 in favor with three members absent.

• Read more about Committee advances Terry bill to establish the Maine child tax credit

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Taxation Committee voted Thursday to advance a measure from Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, to improve economic security for Maine children by establishing a state refundable child tax credit, expanding the tax credits available for parents and other households with dependents.

• Read more about Kessler introduces bill to limit upfront fees imposed on renters

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented a measure last week before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee aimed at protecting Maine renters by limiting the fees that are frequently imposed on tenants upon signing a lease.

• Read more about Rep. Russell welcomes Bucksport High School student groups to State House

AUGUSTA - Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, welcomed Bucksport High School student groups to the State House on Thursday.

The BHS robotics team was recognized by the Legislature for placing third at the world championship. The team was one of 619 finalists to earn championship spots, competing against 3,300 teams from 23 countries around the world.

The BHS jazz combo groups were recognized for finishing second and third at the Maine Music Educators Association Instrumental Jazz Festival and taking three of five individual musician awards.

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• Read more about Committee advances Hepler bill to protect Maine's Common Loon

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee voted Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, to expand protections for Maine loons and other waterfowl by prohibiting the sale and use of certain painted lead fishing tackle, which can be fatal for these species.

• Read more about House advances Malon bill to establish a green schools coordinator within the Department of Education

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to advance LD 612, sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, that would establish a green schools coordinator position within the Department of Education. The position would assist department staff in establishing school facility priorities and work with school administrative units to improve building weatherization and make modifications compatible with renewable energy resources.

• Read more about Committee advances Golek bill to support weatherizing manufactured homes

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee voted last week to move forward a measure from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, that would improve access to energy efficiency programs for low- and moderate-income Mainers living in manufactured homes.

• Read more about Salisbury accepted to Council of State Governments' New Legislative Leaders Academy

AUGUSTA - Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, has been accepted to the Council of State Governments' New Legislative Leaders Academy which will gather officials that have been newly elected to leadership positions and facilitate discussions about leadership best practices in a nonpartisan environment.

The academy is dedicated to helping legislators advance their priorities and build connections with leaders across the country. It will take place on June 14-16.

• Read more about House advances Zager bill to improve renters' access to credit

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives unanimously voted to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, that would help low-income Mainers establish or improve credit through their rental payments.