Maine’s governor and GOP lawmakers decry budget adjustment approved in weekend vote

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Republicans are angry about a proposal by the Democratic-led Legislature’s spending committee that would draw money from the highway fund, reduce a tax break for seniors and eliminate much of the $107 million the governor wanted to set aside in anticipation of slowing revenues.

Republican Sen. Rick Bennett accused Democrats of failing to bargain in good faith, and Transportation Commissioner Bruce Van Note said he was “surprised and disheartened” by the potential loss of $60 million in highway funding.

Even Democratic Gov. Janet Mills decried the proposed changes.

“She urges the Legislature to reconsider these ill-advised changes, to avoid creating new programs that will require ongoing funding and to advance a fiscally responsible budget that is sustainable in the long-term,” said Ben Goodman, the governor’s press secretary.

Democrats on the Appropriations Committee approved the adjustment to the two-year, $10.4 billion budget on Sunday after tense discussions, adding to partisan acrimony as the Legislature tries to finish its work in little more than a week.

Republicans were especially incensed over the committee’s highway fund and pension changes that reversed bipartisan agreements that were included in the two-year budget last year.

Rep. Jack Ducharme, R-Madison, said it was “unconscionable” to make such significant changes without any input from the pubic, the Maine Department of Transportation or the Transportation Committee.

He accused the committee of acting in the middle of the night instead of during the light of day when more people were paying attention. “This is why people don’t trust state government,” he said.