Spending on hotels, restaurants and fuel didn’t decline as much as state officials expected, helping Maine end August $34 million over budget, which is better than revenue forecasters had predicted.
state budget
Mills administration proposes hiring freeze, spending cuts to offset revenue lost to pandemic
The plan proposes a hiring freeze and delaying technology upgrades to help make up for more than $500 million in revenue losses.
Mills gives state agencies more time to propose cuts as shortfall looms
Facing a revenue shortfall of more than $500 million, Gov. Janet Mills gives agencies 7 more weeks to submit new budgets, while hoping Congress delivers more pandemic aid to states.
Maine state budget facing COVID-19 shortfalls of $1.4 billion over next 3 years
What the state gained in revenue on taxable grocery store items and building supplies when the pandemic hit didn’t come close to making up for what it lost in sales tax because restaurants and lodgings were shuttered.
State tax revenues drop as COVID-19 tightens grip on Maine economy
A monthly report from state tax collectors shows parts of Maine’s economy reeling amid the pandemic.
Party lines emerge in Legislature over $127 million spending proposal
As lawmakers examine the supplemental budget offered by Gov. Janet Mills in February, Republicans on the Health and Human Service Committee are balking at some of the spending proposals.
Priorities differ as lawmakers begin debate on governor’s $126 million budget plan
Republicans want more focus on repairing roads and bridges; Democrats want to add staff and improve programs for disadvantaged residents.
Mills calls for more caseworkers, troopers in $127 million supplemental budget
The governor is asking lawmakers to fund more child protection caseworkers, broadband expansion and increased aid for education, all priorities she highlighted in her State of the State address in January.
Gov. Mills signs 2-year state budget totaling nearly $8 billion
Lawmakers complete work on the bipartisan budget several days before the Legislature’s scheduled adjournment, unlike 2 years ago, when political fighting led to a brief government shutdown.
Maine Legislature approves new state budget of nearly $8 billion
The 2-year spending package includes many, but not all, of the initiatives proposed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, and lawmakers from both parties speak of a new level of civility in Maine government.