News

Maine approves supplemental budget after false start

Maine approves supplemental budget after false start

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Maine Legislature has approved a supplemental budget that state leaders say is critical to keeping the state’s economy afloat amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The budget deal means income tax breaks for more than 28,000 businesses and 160,000 unemployed workers. But it only came after hours of deal-making between the legislature’s majority Democrats and minority Republicans.

The Maine House of Representatives voted down a compromise on the supplemental budget on Thursday night, and the legislative session stretched into the early morning of Friday. An agreement from Democrats to put an additional $8 million into the state rainy day fund helped get the deal finalized.

In the end, the House approved the proposal 139-1 and the Maine Senate approved it unanimously.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills heralded the compromise. She said the supplemental budget is critical because it means businesses and unemployed Maine residents that received federal Paycheck Protection Program money will receive tax relief.

Maine Republicans also said the budget deal is a win for the state. Republican Appropriations Leader Sawin Millett of Waterford said the Maine GOP “will now focus on state tax relief for all Maine workers, not some.”

Latest Headlines

13 hours ago in Local

Maine Lawmakers Pass Bill to Let Jails Turn Away Some ICE Detainees

Governor Mills has indicated she will sign the bill.

14 hours ago in Local

Two Arrested in Gardiner for Drug Dealing, Gun Charges

Officers say they saw what looked like illegal drugs at the residence.

17 hours ago in Local

New Hampshire Man Dead in I-95 Crash in Newport

Maine State Police say they were on their way to assist a stopped car in the travel lane of I-95.

17 hours ago in Local

Casco Bay Lines considers another fare hike for passengers

Riding the ferry in Casco Bay could get more expensive as the ferry line considers a 21 percent increase for passenger fares.

17 hours ago in Local

Sen. Collins’ office says remark about not seeking another term after November was an “off-hand comment”

Sen. Susan Collins is walking back her comment that she would only serve one more term if elected in November.