Legislature gives strong backing to bipartisan funding measures

Bill to address budget shortfall, replenish rainy day fund sent to Governor

AUGUSTA —  The Maine House and Senate gave strong backing to a bipartisan measure to address a shortfall in the state’s two year budget as well as a separate measure to replenish the state’s rainy day fund.

The state’s budget writing committee unanimously approved both measures as part of a compromise on Wednesday.

“When we first started our work, our committee faced an unprecedented task to build a budget from scratch with no proposal and limited information from the Governor,” said Rep. Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston, the House chair of the Appropriations Committee. “Yet we prevailed despite the obstacles. I’m pleased and proud to see strong bipartisan votes on these measures, which pay our bills, protect education, and keep our commitments to our workers. We urge the Governor to sign both bills and finally release the voter-approved bonds.”

LD 1843, closes a $40 million gap in fiscal year 2014 and a $18 million gap in fiscal year 2015.  LD 1807, which was proposed by Governor Paul LePage, would replenish the rainy day fund, or the state’s budget stabilization account, by $21 million. LePage has been using the amount of money in the rainy day fund as his latest political excuse to delay more than a $100 million in voter-approved jobs bonds.

“The resounding, bipartisan support of this budget reflects the commitment and responsibility of Maine legislators to pay the bills, and support students, workers, and our most vulnerable,” said Senator Dawn Hill of York who serves as the Senate Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. “This budget was crafted under unprecedented circumstances, without collaboration from the governor. While that’s a shame, Democrats and Republicans overcame this challenge together and stand proud of our work.”

The budget measure restore LePage’s proposed cuts to K-12 funding, the early education program Head Start, and higher education. It also funds merit and longevity pay increases for state employees, which were previously negotiated but unpaid for by the Governor. The restorations are fully funded by additional casino revenues, reductions in the Pine Tree Zone tax credit, and unspent funds for Dirigo Health program, and through transfers from unexpended state accounts.

LD 1843 was approved in vote of 121 to 6 in the House; 33 to 1 in the Senate. LD 1807 was approved in vote of 123  to 1 in the House; 34 to 0 in the Senate.

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