AUGUSTA — The Legislature’s Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee approved a bill from Senator Chip Curry, D-Belfast, to create a nonpartisan research institute to provide the Legislature with information and policy options to improve Maine’s economy. An amended version of LD 1517, “An Act To Establish the Maine Workforce, Research, Development and Student Achievement Institute,” received a bipartisan, unanimous vote of support from those present, with three members absent. “The Institute is going to be a great resource for our committee – and for the entire Legislature – in crafting policy that will make life better for Maine people,” said Sen. Curry. “As we look for the best way to invest in our workforce and grow our economy, we’re going to need hard data and information about what’s working in other state. The Institute will be a great asset, and I thank my fellow committee members for their support.”