AUGUSTA — Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, has been appointed to serve as Senate chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business (IDEA) for the 130th Maine Legislature.

The IDEA Committee is responsible for looking at a wide range of issues including supporting Maine’s workforce, strengthening local businesses and encouraging economic development.

“I’m honored to be chosen to chair the Innovation, Development, Economic Advance and Business Committee,” said Sen. Curry. “In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic we must focus on serving Maine’s working families. We will work creatively to protect and uplift Maine’s workers and small businesses and strengthen our local economies. I am excited to get to work to lead this effort.”

Sen. Curry also will serve on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, which is responsible for hunting, fishing, trapping, ATVs and boating.

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. The Legislature will reconvene in the new year.