Presiding Officers thank Appropriations Committee for advancing continuing services budget
The Legislature’s budget committee voted in favor of a responsible, “no-frills” proposal to fund essential services and cover Maine healthcare costs
AUGUSTA – Friday, the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved the proposed continuing services budget in a vote of 7–3. Presiding officers issued the following statements, thanking the committee members for their work to advance a continuing services budget which will safeguard Maine’s financial future, provide essential healthcare funding and prevent a costly state shutdown. It has no cuts and no tax increases. The proposal will go before the full Legislature for a vote.
Senate President Mattie Daughtry:
“This initial budget provides a foundation for our legislature as we move forward with our work. It ensures that partisan fights will not shut down our state. This is about doing right by the people of Maine. A continuing services budget maintains the state’s vital operations, protects healthcare access and ensures stability for Maine.”
House Speaker Ryan Fecteau:
“The work of the Appropriations Committee today brings us one step closer to addressing the urgent need to close the MaineCare gap and keep the basic functions of state government going without interruption. This continuing services budget will ensure nursing homes, hospitals, and those who provide care for kids and adults with disabilities stay open. It will ensure our towns can plan their budgets to deliver essential services and educate our young people. Mainers expect a responsive and responsible government. That’s what this budget is.”
Lawmakers are expected to vote on the proposed continuing services budget in the coming weeks, with Democratic leaders urging bipartisan cooperation to ensure timely passage. Timing is critical after Senate Republicans refused to support a bipartisan supplemental budget agreement earlier this week, even as Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services began curtailing payments to healthcare providers.
Important Budget Highlights
This continuing services budget:
Meets the state’s obligation to fully fund public education in K-12 schools at 55% for the biennium.
Implements a cost-of-living-adjustment reimbursement rate of 1.95% to essential support and direct care workers.
Helps municipalities lower their property taxes by keeping Municipal Revenue Sharing at 5% for the biennium.
Honors free community college commitment for Maine students already enrolled.
Supports rural hospitals and the health of Maine people by filling the $118 million MaineCare cap in 2025 so Maine people can continue to access critical healthcare services.
Protects Maine forests and forest product industry by providing $2 million for remediation of a severe spruce budworm outbreak in Maine.
Includes language from the supplemental budget amendment to expand General Assistance training for GA administrators.
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