Maine State Budget Information Released

The following information is public information gathered from numerous sources on the state budget.

Links to Documents:

• Governor LePage's Proposed Biennial Budget for 2014-2015
• Governor LePage's Proposed Supplemental Budget for 2013
• Governor LePage's Press Packet for 2013 Supplemental Budget Briefing and 2014-2015 Biennial Budget Briefing: MS-Word or PDF

Budgets:

• 2012-007-FY13 Curtailment: HTML or PDF
• 4-Year Forecast; Fiscal Years 2012-2015: MS-Word or PDF
• Governor LePage’s General Fund Second Supplemental Change Package
• Governor LePage’s Proposed Supplemental Budget for the Highway Fund for 2012-2013
• Governor Lepage’s Second Proposed Supplemental Budget for 2012-2013
• Governor LePage's Proposed Supplemental Budget to Address MaineCare Shortfall – December, 2011
• Budget Instructions for the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature - October 2011
• Governor LePage’s 2012-2013 Change Package — Released May 2011
• Governor LePage’s Proposed Biennial Budgets for 2012-2013 — General Fund and Highway Fund, released February 11, 2011, is available online

State Bureau of the Budget

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State Budget Briefing from Gov. LePage's Office

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Click image below to read the Maine Center for Economic Policy position statement:

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Click to Read Saco Delegation Responding to Budget

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Dems say Governor’s budget shifts costs to middle class, hurts Maine’s economy

Hope for a more reasonable and balanced approach

AUGUSTA – Democrats expressed strong concerns that Governor Paul LePage’s two-year budget, released Friday, unfairly burdens the middle class, small businesses, communities, elderly and the poor.

The governor’s budget proposal will eliminate state funds for programs that help the elderly pay for medicine, gut property tax relief, and cut state funding to cities and towns, hurting thousands of Maine families and stifling the state’s weak economy.

“We need a balanced and responsible budget that won’t undercut our state’s economy or harm our effort to grow the middle class,” said Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland. “This budget will raise taxes on the middle class, small businesses, and the poor. Maine needs a budget that strengthens our towns and will get our economy moving.”

In 2011, Maine was the only state in New England where the economy shrank.  It is one of three states in the nation to have revenues fall below projections this year.

The governor’s budget proposal cuts more than $400 million in funding for cities and towns, property tax reductions, and educational expenses for local districts.

“This budget will only put more pressure on our communities,” said Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick.

Alfond added, “This budget will result in property tax hikes for Maine families.”

LePage’s budget also eliminates funding for the Drugs for the Elderly program, cutting nearly $40 million over three years.

“The governor is prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy over medicine for our elderly,” Eves said.

Tax cuts that largely benefit the wealthy contributed to significant portion of the shortfall, accounting for over $400 million, or nearly 45 percent, of the structural budget gap.

Democrats hope to work with Republican lawmakers to craft a more balanced and responsible budget.

The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will begin reviewing the Governor's budget later this month.

"This budget is a reflection of the governor’s priorities," said Senate Chair Dawn Hill, D-York. "While we may not share the same priorities for the budget, we are all committed to crafting a balanced, responsible budget in a fair and transparent manner."

House Chair Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, said Maine people can expect a careful and thorough review of the budget, with ample opportunity to weigh in.

"We will be reviewing all proposals and weighing our options," Rotundo said. "There will be many opportunities for all members of the committee, and the public, to ask questions about the impact of the governor's budget." 

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