Democrats and Republicans said they will have ongoing conversations before final votes on the budget in 2 weeks, though areas of compromise seemed hard to come by.
Maine state budget
Gov. Mills uses budget address to call for compromise by lawmakers in both parties
The governor also came out against a citizen referendum for a red flag law and challenged a commission that oversees legal representation to indigent clients to change its practices rather than request more money.
Which taxes would increase under Gov. Mills’ budget proposal?
Some of the proposals would increase taxes on individuals. Others would be used to leverage federal Medicaid funds and would not be felt by Maine taxpayers, according to state officials.
Bipartisan tax break for retirees on the chopping block
A tax deduction on pension income won bipartisan support three years ago, but is now at the center of a partisan battle over tax increases in the proposed two year-budget.
Maine victim service providers want stability in state budget
Organizations that provide free services to victims say they need $6 million from the state to keep up their aid after a severe, ongoing drop in federal funding.
Wicked good: How ‘sin taxes’ are contributing to Maine’s healthy budget outlook
Revenue from levies on alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and gambling have risen sharply in the last five years, and now account for $353 million a year – 7% of the state’s $5.1 billion annual budget.
Latest spending bills left hanging as Maine Legislature ends 2024 session
Maine Senate advances spending bills opposed by Gov. Mills, but the House chose not to vote on them.
Maine lawmakers face Wednesday deadline to finish work
Many key bills, including the supplemental budget, remain on the table. But lawmakers don’t appear poised to call for a special session to give themselves more time.
Democrats may reconsider budget changes criticized by Gov. Mills, Republicans
Republican House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham called for the removal of the Democratic House chair, Melanie Sachs, for creating a ‘toxic and hostile’ environment by dismissing Republican concerns.
Gov. Mills has ‘significant concerns’ with Democrats’ budget changes
Democrats used their majority to advance a state budget proposal – one that unravels a bipartisan effort to stabilize highway projects by moving away from fuel taxes and tapping a revenue stream from electric vehicles.