Bipartisan budget bill becomes law

Budget becomes law without Governor’s signature

AUGUSTA —  A bipartisan bill to close a gap in the state’s two-year budget became law today without the Governor’s signature.

LD 1843, closes a $40 million gap in fiscal year 2014 and a $18 million gap in fiscal year 2015.

“Our bipartisan budget pays our bills, protects critical education dollars, and keeps our commitments to our workers,” said Rep. Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston, the House Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. “Maine people can count on lawmakers to work together to solve our problems and show leadership even when the Governor is unwilling to do so.”

In an unprecedented move, Governor Paul LePage refused to propose a budget despite shortfalls at his Departments.

The budget restores Governor Paul 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.

“Solving our state’s budget challenges is one of the single most important issues we can tackle and the Legislature did that together,” said Senator Dawn Hill of York, the Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee. “Democrats, Republicans, and Independents overwhelmingly put politics aside and did what’s right for the people of Maine.”

The restorations are fully funded by additional casino revenues, unspent funds from the 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.

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