AUGUSTA - The board that oversees one of Maine's most controversial programs - Dirigo Health - may soon have some new members.

The Legislature's Insurance and Financial Services Committee gave its solid endorsement Tuesday to three of Gov. John Baldacci's nominees to the newly expanded board. It oversees the 5-year-old state program designed to provide affordable health insurance to tens of thousands of uninsured Mainers.

The program's undergone harsh criticism by those who claim it's failed to meet expectations and dislike its funding scheme. Lawmakers have expanded the board from five to nine members to add expertise in the complex area.

Dirigo board nominees OK'd Tuesday include Sara Gagne Holmes, who heads Maine Equal Justice Partners; Marianne Ringel, who's held health policy posts in state government; and Joe Bruno, a former Republican legislator who now is with the Waldron Group in Falmouth.

The Senate will vote on those and other nominees on Wednesday.