AUGUSTA — Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, has been appointed by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, to serve as Senate chair of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development for the 132nd Maine State Legislature. 

The newly formed Housing and Economic Development Committee is expected to merge the previous Joint Select Committee on Housing with the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business (IDEA) Committee.

Reflecting the inherent link between housing and economic growth, it is charged with both tackling Maine’s ongoing housing crisis by increasing affordability, examining land use and zoning barriers, and addressing systemic factors and driving economic innovation by supporting business expansion, protecting consumers, promoting research and technology commercialization, boosting tourism, and advancing Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) programs.

“Every Mainer deserves a secure, affordable place to call home, and that foundational stability is deeply linked to the robust economic growth we need for our state,” said Sen. Curry, in a news release. “When Mainers can afford a safe place to live, we strengthen our workforce, attract new businesses, and create an environment primed for innovation. I am honored to lead this new committee as we seek to address our housing needs and spur sustainable economic development in every corner of Maine.”

Sen. Curry will also serve on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which oversees a broad range of issues, including Maine’s criminal code, juvenile code, law enforcement, corrections, firefighters and emergency responders, building codes related to public safety and the Maine Emergency Management Agency. This committee’s work ensures the effective administration of justice and the integrity of public safety systems.

“Through my service on the Blue Ribbon Commission on Emergency Medical Services and the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission, I’ve seen firsthand the critical importance of strengthening our emergency response infrastructure and supporting the dedicated individuals who keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Curry. “As a newly appointed member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, I look forward to building on this work to advance policies that ensure high-quality access to emergency services across the state.”

Lawmakers are assigned to committees by the presiding officers based on their interests, experience and professional background. Joint standing committees are composed of three senators and ten representatives. 

Sen. Curry is an active volunteer in his community, contributing to local organizations and supporting education and the arts. Sen. Curry has previously served as Senate chair of the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement, and Business Committee and as a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. Sen. Curry also co-chaired the 2022 and 2023 Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Emergency Medical Services in the State.

Sen. Curry represents Maine Senate District 11, which includes all the rural, coastal, and island communities of Waldo County. The Legislature is set to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2025.