Democratic leaders react to surprise curtailment rumors

 AUGUSTA – Today, top Democratic leaders learned from news reporters that Governor Paul LePage intends to issue a $37 million curtailment order to the state’s current budget.  The Speaker and President elects issued the following statement:

“We are surprised to have not heard from the governor’s office,” said President –Elect Justin Alfond, D-Portland. “Yet, we stand ready to work to solve the state’s challenging fiscal issues in a fair and thoughtful way. We hope the governor will join us.”

“We are confident that Democrats and Republicans in the newly-elected Legislature want to work together,” said Speaker-Elect Rep. Mark Eves, D-North Berwick. “The governor is choosing to bypass the legislature by forcing across the board cuts without seeking common ground.”

Both Alfond and Eves have reached out to the governor’s office to arrange a meeting to discuss the upcoming session.