AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee gave unanimous approval on Thursday to a bill sponsored by Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, that would create better, more accessible measurements of Maine's economic and social progress.

AUGUSTA - With a 57% margin, Maine Medical Center nurses voted to unionize. Tonight Speaker Ryan Fecteau responded to the breaking news:

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee gave its approval Thursday to a bill from Rep. Sean Paulhus, D-Bath, that would provide extra support to food banks in the event of an emergency. The vote was 9-0 with four members still to vote.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Kyle Bailey, D-Gorham, will introduce a $14,000,000 bond proposal to construct a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at the Portland International Jetport that will enable international commercial passenger service. The bond proposal will also fund a temperature-controlled, U. S. Customs and Border Protection warehouse at the Bangor International Airport to allow international cargo service.

AUGUSTA - A measure from Rep. Thom Harnett, D-Gardiner, to restore revenue sharing to 5 percent retroactive to January 1, 2021 advanced with bipartisan support in the Maine Legislature on Wednesday. The vote was 144-1 in the House and 33-1 in the Senate.

AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, the Legislature passed a bill from Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, that clears a path for Maine municipalities to access federal funds and rebuild in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. LD 1507, An Act To Establish a Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Program and Allocation sets up an account for the state to receive and disburse federal funds for municipalities from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) aid package.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, that would prohibit the use of certain neonicotinoid pesticides for outdoor residential use.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono, to incentivize soil carbon storage received unanimous support this week from the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass a bipartisan joint resolution recognizing the struggle of Maine residents with housing costs and the inadequacy of Maine's housing stock. The resolution, sponsored Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, states that Maines shortage of affordable housing has a direct impact on the health and welfare of Maine people.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, introduced LD 977, An Act Regarding the Maine Educational Opportunity Tax Credit, before the Taxation Committee on Tuesday. .