A budget gap could force the Mills administration to scale back some spending commitments or find other ways to generate revenue.

A memo from the Mills administration was sent to lawmakers Tuesday, urging them to address a projected $450 million budget shortfall in the next two-year general fund budget:

“While, on balance, the State of Maine has enjoyed significant new revenues over the past several years that have allowed for investments in important new programs that have benefited Maine people, difficult decisions should be expected and difficult changes must be adopted this year to balance the budget and ensure the fiscal stability of the State budget moving forward.”

Lawmakers will also have to contend with an $118 million gap in the MaineCare budget for this year.

In a response issued Tuesday, Maine House Republicans said they agree that Maine is confronting a difficult budget environment, and they’ll continue efforts to “combat reckless spending initiatives that continue to exacerbate our fiscal condition.”