AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine lawmakers gather Wednesday to take up the $8.5 billion budget on the eve of the new fiscal year. And they’ll be meeting on the floor without masks for the first time since the pandemic began.
The budget proposal that was unanimously approved by the appropriations committee includes $300 hazard pay bonus for most workers.
If approved by a two-thirds majority, then the changes will go into effect with the start of the new fiscal year Thursday.
The day’s votes coincide with new rules for masks in the State House. The Legislative Council rescinded its COVID-19 restrictions last week so masks are no longer required in legislative spaces. Mask are, however, still required in spaces used by the governor’s administration.
The Legislature also will take up Gov. Janet Mills’ vetoes for a proposal to create a public electric utility, to close the Long Creek Youth Development Center and to ban the aerial spraying of herbicides on forests.
This won’t be the last day of the session. Lawmakers are currently scheduled to return on July 19 for final votes on vetoes.
