LAWMAKERS AGREE ON SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET

Posted: April 10, 2012 | Appropriations and Financial Affairs, Senator Hill

Appropriations Committee restores funding to many programs cut by Governor’s proposal

AUGUSTA – Minutes before midnight on Monday evening, lawmakers on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs committee reached agreement on the Governor’s Supplemental Budget for the biennium. Lawmakers voted unanimously to weaken many of the Governor’s proposed cuts to General Assistance, higher education, and the Fund for a Healthy Maine.

“The most important items in this budget are the ones that aren’t there anymore,” said Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, the ranking House Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. “The committee did the right thing by taking out irresponsible, un-funded tax cuts, preserved critical services and prevented an ominous power grab from the Executive.”

 
Lawmakers reached agreement on a number of controversial items including the restoration of funding to the Fund for a Healthy Maine, funding for higher education including, the University System, Community College System, and Maine Maritime Academy, and funding for Indigent Legal Services. The Committee also fully restored funding to Maine Public Broadcasting Network and included language to move the state to a fee-for-service model funding for MPBN over the next five years. Democrats on the committee offered an amendment to mitigate many of the Governor’s proposed cuts to the General Assistance program. The agreement also provides additional funding for the Computer Crime Lab and court security as well as an additional monies to CDS for 2012 and 2013. 


“We significantly improved the budget from where it started,” said Sen. Dawn Hill, D-York, the Senate Democrat on the Appropriations committee. “We have made this more fair. Although many of the changes to General Assistance are not necessary and will needlessly punish property taxpayers and Mainers trying to get back on their feet.”

 

 

The Legislature could vote on the agreement as early as Thursday. Lawmakers still need to address the remaining $80 million in proposed cuts to the DHHS budget for 2013.