The Maine Senate is set to vote on the fate of the supplemental budget package, which aims to address a $118 million shortfall in the state’s Medicaid program and provide funding for forest conservation. Despite passing in the House with bipartisan support, the bill faltered in the Senate due to Republican opposition.
Republicans are concerned that the plan does not address underlying financial issues in Medicaid, despite some concessions to limit payments and investigate fraud. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart has made it clear that without significant welfare reform, there will not be enough votes from the Republican caucus to pass the budget.
Senate Democrats are bracing for the bill’s defeat, with Senator Joe Baldacci suggesting that there may be a move to pass the two-year budget without Republican support. However, Senate President Mattie Daughtry is holding out hope for a last-minute shift in support.
The Senate will reconvene on Thursday for what could be a decisive vote on the supplemental budget. The outcome will determine whether the bill moves forward or dies, with little indication of a potential compromise between the two parties.
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