Democrats moved forward with a majority of their budget proposal still intact on Friday. The passing of the budget was backed almost entirely by Democrats, upsetting many Republicans.
Republican Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford released a written statement Friday claiming Republicans walked out on budget negotiations after Democrats rejected a $200 million tax cut proposal for low- and middle-income families. “It is stunning that the Democrats could not even agree to give back $200 million to Maine taxpayers out of a $10-plus billion budget,” Bennett said.
According to the Portland Press Herald, the budget included a baseline budget to prevent a government shutdown, which initially had support from both parties but may now face opposition as Republicans choose where to argue on spending priorities.
Democrat Sen. Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston says the budget is below the spending cap Republicans had set and includes funding for important sources of revenue for municipalities. “The committee approved a baseline budget that honors the state’s commitments on education, childcare, hospitals, behavioral health, long-term care, and property tax relief,” Rotundo said. ” These continued investments will continue to transform our state, while remaining below the spending cap.”
Although Democrats can pass the proposal without Republican support, the decision to move the budget forward without Republican support may impact future debates and budget discussions.
The 9.8-billion-dollar budget faces a second round of voting from the full Legislature next week.
