Sen. Breen statement on narrow spending package

AUGUSTA — The Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee met late this evening to pass a narrow spending package that provides critical funding for Maine’s direct care workers and county jails. This package deals with several pieces of legislation that went unresolved when the Legislature adjourned prematurely in April.

This spending package follows through on several promises made during last year’s contentious budget negotiation. Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, who serves as the lead Senate Democrat on the committee released the following statement:

“Maine has a number of pressing needs to address from the opioid epidemic and behavioral health to providing funding for our direct care workers, our jails and our deteriorating infrastructure. While I am happy we were able to agree on giving direct care workers a much-needed raise and funding our county jails, our work here is far from over. It is critical that lawmakers come up with an additional spending package that is both fiscally responsible and best meets the needs of Maine people. I am optimistic that tonight was an important step in the right direction. Mainers all across the state are counting on us.”

This spending package will be considered by the Senate and House should the Legislature convene for a special session.

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