News

Maine governor proposes budget revisions to fund housing and child care before April adjournment

Maine governor proposes budget revisions to fund housing and child care before April adjournment

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Democratic Gov. Janet Mills on Friday unveiled a budget revision that includes additional one-time spending to build more housing for Maine residents, to provide grants to child care providers, and to accelerate nursing facility rate reform, among other initiatives.

Included in the proposed spending is $5 million to help mobile home residents buy their mobile home parks and another $22 million to build additional housing, both of which are aimed at helping with the state’s housing crunch.

“This fiscally responsible proposal aims to address some of the most urgent challenges Maine people are facing, like access to affordable housing, child care, and long-term care,” Mills said in a statement. “And it aims to tackle these critically important items in a financially sustainable way, ensuring that, when taken with my previous proposal to save money, the State of Maine can meet its ongoing commitments in the next biennium.”

The new spending increases her biennial budget proposal to nearly $10.44 billion.

The proposal reflects a projection of an additional $108 million in additional revenue by the nonpartisan Revenue Forecasting Committee. The boost was attributed to strong corporate income tax revenues, which are considered volatile for long-term budgeting.

The governor’s proposal sets the stage for lawmakers to finish negotiations and bring the budget to the floor for votes. They’re racing the clock because lawmakers are due to adjourn on April 17.

Latest Headlines

14 hours ago in Local

Man to serve 2 life sentences for fatally shooting couple in front of their children in Westbrook

A Maine man who fatally shot a couple in Westbrook in front of their children has been sentenced to life behind bars.

14 hours ago in Local

1 man found dead after fire destroys off-grid home in Sumner

Crews found one person dead after fire destroyed an off-grid residence in Sumner.

16 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Parents under pressure offer creative tips for moving Santa’s spy Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf, who turns 20 this year, has created lots of family memories, laughter and the occasional parental panic over where to move the elf next.

22 hours ago in Local

Frigid Cold Tonight in Maine, Pattern to Continue for Weeks

Close-up of mercury thermometer

It's going to remain colder than normal in Maine because of the current weather pattern.

1 day ago in Local

Maine Issues Another Recall of Marijuana Products

The products were sold at 22 cannabis retailers across the state.