HOUSE GOP UNDERMINES BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS

After countless hours of negotiations, Rep. Fredette continues moving goal post

AUGUSTA– After days of intensive negotiations, Democratic leaders said they will move forward with a bipartisan budget negotiated with Senate Republicans. The announcement comes as House GOP leader Rep. Ken Fredette refuses to negotiate in good faith–having changed his demands and priorities several times.

Sen. Justin Alfond of Portland

“It’s crystal clear that Rep. Fredette and the Governor are working arm in arm to shut down government.  The people who care are continuing to negotiate in good faith and remain at the table,” said Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond of Portland. “Senate Democrats and Republicans and House Democrats are committed to an agreeable solution that reflects our values and helps the people of Maine.”

The Appropriations Committee crafted a bipartisan compromise budget after months of hard work.  At Rep. Fredette’s request, legislative leadership then stepped in to fine-tune the budget to garner House Republican support.

“We’ve been working around the clock to reach a compromise to bring Rep. Fredette aboard, but he keeps moving the goal posts. It’s become clear that not everyone at the table is committed to compromise,” said House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick. “Democrats have been very clear that any tax cut we support must focus on middle class families. We will bring the bipartisan budget to the floor as soon as possible. It’s a budget that helps everyday Mainers by boosting property tax relief and investing in our students and workers.”

The bipartisan budget was approved in a vote of 9-4 by the Appropriations and Financial Affairs — with only the House Republicans objecting. The panel rejected Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to give huge tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations, while cutting funds to help low-income seniors pay for their medicine and other key public health efforts.

The budget will come to the floor in the coming days.

###