AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, LD 1929, An Act To Provide Assistance to Areas Severely Infested with Browntail Moths, received supportive testimony from municipal leaders during a public hearing on Tuesday before the Legislature's Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, presented LD 1898, An Act to Address the Economic Impact of Federal Clotures on Maines Fixed Gear Fishing Industry, before the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Richard Evans, D-Dover Foxcroft, introduced legislation Tuesday to encourage job growth within Maine's forestry industry through tax incentives for eligible businesses. LD 1919 would enable forest products businesses that hire new employees to be eligible for reimbursement of labor, training and equipment costs.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Taxation Committee voted unanimously last week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, that would increase funding for Maines tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

AUGUSTA - Members of the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee voted Tuesday to advance a proposal by Rep. Genevieve McDonald, D-Stonington, that would extend legal fishing hours for Maine's lobster industry. The vote was unanimous among the 10 committee members present.

AUGUSTA - The Maine Commission for Community Service briefed the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee on the establishment of the Maine Climate Corps in their new report, an effort spurred by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, on Monday.

AUGUSTA - Following the announcement of the passing of the Honorable John Tuttle, House Majority Leader Michelle Dunphy, D-Old Town, and Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, released the following statement:

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, presented LD 1920, An Act To Enact the Interstate Counseling Compact To Address Inequities in Access to Clinical Counseling Services and Increase Maine's Provider Workforce, before the Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, presented LD 1920, An Act To Enact the Interstate Counseling Compact To Address Inequities in Access to Clinical Counseling Services and Increase Maine's Provider Workforce, before the Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that would extend health insurance coverage to adults with disabilities.