Rep. George Hogan (D-Old Orchard Beach) is sponsoring legislation to allow Maine consumers to buy health insurance outside the state.

The bill also would allow insurers to sell health insurance throughout New England. The resolve was referred Feb. 10 to the Insurance and Financial Services Committee by both the House and Senate.

The resolve directs Maine’s superintendent of insurance to meet with commissioners of insurance from other New England states and develop an interstate compact regarding purchase of insurance. The commissioner is required to report back to the committee by Jan. 12, 2012.

The committee then could submit legislation to the second regular session of the 125^th Legislature.

“This resolve offers an opportunity for the people of  Maine, and throughout New England, to have a greater choice in health insurance products and introduce lower costs through competition,” Hogan said in a prepared statement. “However, unlike past proposals, this resolve would assure that Mainers are protected from any unscrupulous health insurers who would try to deny coverage or break contracts by giving enforcement authority across state lines as well.”

Library wins national award to host city reading event

McArthur Public Library in Biddeford received a competitive national award that will allow the library and local schools to partner for a community event.

The library is the recipient of the Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Visit award from the Association of Library Service to Children. The award provides $4,000 for a visit from an author-illustrator.

Children’s Librarian Deanna Gouzie said she was surprised and excited the library received the award. She said the library will team up with the Biddeford Intermediate School Parent Teacher Organization to create a “One Book, One School, One Library” event that will feature author Cynthia Lord.

Gouzie said everyone involved in the program will read Lord’s book, “Touch Blue.” During the last week of April, participants will take part in a kickoff assembly and workshops at school, then attend an evening book signing. The library will host a weekend visit with Lord featuring her picture book, “Hot Rod Hamster.”

Gouzie said Biddeford schools have had a similar program in place for years and she looks forward to getting the library involved.

“It’s a huge honor. It’s an amazing feat because there’s a lot of competition from all over the country,” said Sally Leahey, assistant library director.

Irish will raise their flag to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

The annual flag raising ceremony to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 17 in Biddeford.

Vincent Keely, owner of the WonderBar, said this year marks the 16^th celebration of the holiday. He will raise an Irish flag in place of the state flag on the pole at the corner of Main and Adams streets. The celebration also will include a musical performance by local band The World’s Finest.