Maine Democrats Forge Ahead with Budget Plan Without Republican Support
Maine Democrats in the Legislature have announced plans to move forward with a budget plan that includes crucial MaineCare funding, even if Republicans do not support it. This decision comes after a supplemental budget deal was killed due to Republican opposition, leading to the state having to reduce MaineCare payments to healthcare providers.
Democratic leaders aim to pass a “continuing services” budget that includes the blocked MaineCare funding and funding for other essential government functions for the next two years to prevent a government shutdown in July. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau emphasized the urgency of addressing the budget to support nursing homes, hospitals, and healthcare services that are currently suffering.
Despite hopes that Republicans would join them, it seems unlikely as Republicans have expressed opposition to the new budget plan. The tense debate led to a heated meeting of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, where Republicans criticized Democrats for not including them in the decision-making process.
The proposed budget plan constitutes a “skinny budget” with no new initiatives, programs, or taxes. Once approved, Democratic leaders plan to continue discussions with Republicans on a second budget proposal to make additional changes beyond essential services. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the proposal in the coming weeks, with a deadline to act by the end of March for the plan to take effect by July 1.
If Democrats proceed with the plan without Republican support and formally adjourn the regular session, the budget would take effect 90 days later. This tactic has been used in the past, prompting legal challenges that were ultimately dismissed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.议get屣Press Article Link: [insert link]
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