Lawmakers begin early review of LePage budget cuts

Democrats say cooperation, common ground critical to getting results

AUGUSTA – Today, Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the state’s budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee convened early to begin reviewing the impact of the $35.5 million spending cuts issued by Governor Paul LePage last week. The spending cuts will be considered as part of a larger supplemental budget that will also need to close a projected shortfall of $100 million in the Department of Health and Human Services budget.

“The challenges we face are too big for one party to solve alone,” said Rep. Peggy Rotundo, (D-Lewiston), the House Chair of the committee. “If we are to overcome these challenges, we must cooperate and find common ground.”

This was the first official meeting held between Democrats, Republicans, and the governor’s office to review the cuts. It was scheduled in advance of the start of the legislative session on January 8. Governor LePage has yet to meet with Democratic leaders to discuss the state’s business.

“As we’ve just seen in Washington, unyielding partisanship is not healthy for the public good. Maine is different. And we will be continuing our tradition of working together to solve the problems we face,” said Senator Dawn Hill, (D-York), the Senate Chair.

Governor LePage issued the spending cuts in an Executive Order, called a curtailment, to close a shortfall in state revenues resulting from a sluggish state economy. Maine is one of only three states in the nation where revenues were below projections and the only one in New England where the economy has shrunk, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Lawmakers expressed concern that the proposed cuts may undermine efforts to address the skills gap and train Maine’s workforce—factors hindering Maine’s job growth.

During the public hearing, lawmakers asked questions about the impact of the cuts to schools, public safety, and health care and adoption services.

“We will be seeking more details from the administration on the impact of these cuts as we begin to weigh our options on how to close the budget gap,” said Rep. Rotundo.

The legislature will vote on whether the curtailment order is changed or made permanent.

“We are facing some serious challenges that will require us to make choices. It is critical that we work together. The stakes are too high for us not to listen to one another and the public,” added Senator Hill.