Republican lawmaker Rep. Ken Fredette is rallying colleagues to oppose a bipartisan budget deal approved by a committee, questioning if it will receive the necessary two-thirds support from the full Legislature. The $121 million proposal aims to balance the state budget for the current fiscal year. Fredette objected to the removal of Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal to limit emergency housing assistance and certain MaineCare reforms from the budget.
After Republicans on the committee tried to reconsider the vote, Democrats stood by the unanimous decision in hopes that it will pass in the full Legislature. Fredette expressed concerns that the proposal may not garner enough Republican support. He wants the General Assistance limit back in the budget and additional MaineCare reforms included.
The budget also addresses shortfalls in MaineCare funding due to rising healthcare costs and includes money for spruce budworm remediation. However, it does not include cost-of-living increases for direct care workers, which advocates pushed for.
House Speaker Ryan Fecteau criticized Fredette for creating chaos rather than honoring the bipartisan work on the budget. Other Republican leaders did not provide their thoughts on the budget or its likelihood of receiving two-thirds support. Republican House lead on the budget committee, Rep. Jack Ducharme, believes Republicans may withhold support due to the removal of the General Assistance limit but recognizes the importance of the emergency measures included in the proposal.
The bill will go to the full Legislature for a vote, with discussions among party leaders influencing how lawmakers like Ducharme will vote.
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