AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday before the Legislature's Taxation Committee that would establish a child care tax credit for Maine businesses, providing more opportunities for parents to re-enter or join the workforce after being hindered by lack of available child care.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Housing Committee that would increase the nightly rate that the state pays low-barrier shelters.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that would support municipal franchise agreements, received bipartisan support this week in the House and Senate.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Housing Committee that would increase the nightly rate that the state pays low-barrier shelters.

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.