Gov. Janet Mills outlined to the legislature her final biennial budget as Maine’s governor on Tuesday night and repeated things we’ve heard before, like her administration’s commitment to funding free community college, 55% of the state’s public school budget and free school lunches for Maine students. “I welcome a robust discussion among Democrats, Republicans and Independents during this legislative session because I want everyone to benefit from the availability of good jobs, a good public education, and good health care in our state – things that allow every person to be their best selves,” she said to the legislature.She also told lawmakers that the state economy is growing faster than any other state in New England and continued to tout her record-high rainy day fund.”In fact, this emergency fund has grown by nearly $720 million since I took office,” Mills said.She did point to proposed taxes, like a $1 tax on tobacco products and increased taxes on marijuana. “We also have the cheapest cigarettes of nearly every state in New England, and we have not raised the cigarette excise tax in two decades, unlike every other New England state,” she said.Republicans have been saying since Mills unveiled this budget that they will not vote on it if there are any increased taxes. Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart says the legislature needs to look at what we’re already paying for.”We don’t have a revenue problem in Maine. We have a spending problem, and like I said, if we’re not even looking back at 80 percent of what we’re spending money on right now for places where there’s potential savings,” Stewart said.Mills says lawmakers have a hard task in front of them but wants them to work together to pass a balanced budget that benefits all Mainers.”We have demonstrated in the past that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents can put their heads together and get good results,” she said.The legislature will have to pass this budget by the end of the fiscal year which is June 30.
Gov. Janet Mills outlined to the legislature her final biennial budget as Maine’s governor on Tuesday night and repeated things we’ve heard before, like her administration’s commitment to funding free community college, 55% of the state’s public school budget and free school lunches for Maine students.
“I welcome a robust discussion among Democrats, Republicans and Independents during this legislative session because I want everyone to benefit from the availability of good jobs, a good public education, and good health care in our state – things that allow every person to be their best selves,” she said to the legislature.
She also told lawmakers that the state economy is growing faster than any other state in New England and continued to tout her record-high rainy day fund.
“In fact, this emergency fund has grown by nearly $720 million since I took office,” Mills said.
She did point to proposed taxes, like a $1 tax on tobacco products and increased taxes on marijuana.
“We also have the cheapest cigarettes of nearly every state in New England, and we have not raised the cigarette excise tax in two decades, unlike every other New England state,” she said.
Republicans have been saying since Mills unveiled this budget that they will not vote on it if there are any increased taxes. Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart says the legislature needs to look at what we’re already paying for.
“We don’t have a revenue problem in Maine. We have a spending problem, and like I said, if we’re not even looking back at 80 percent of what we’re spending money on right now for places where there’s potential savings,” Stewart said.
Mills says lawmakers have a hard task in front of them but wants them to work together to pass a balanced budget that benefits all Mainers.
“We have demonstrated in the past that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents can put their heads together and get good results,” she said.
The legislature will have to pass this budget by the end of the fiscal year which is June 30.