2 weeks Ago
Last month, the Legislature passed a responsible two-year continuing services budget designed to provide funding for Maine’s most basic and immediate needs. Our country is facing a period of deep uncertainty, and this budget is a big part of the Legislature’s response – it’s a responsible bill that provides the predictability and stability that Maine people need and have been asking for. The continuing services budget keeps the state’s commitment to Maine schools, teachers and students by funding 55% of K-12 public education costs and providing breakfast and lunch to every student, ensuring that our kids can receive a high quality education with full stomachs.
This budget also maintains 5% municipal revenue sharing, which gives our municipalities some predictability in planning their local budgets. It will give them the opportunity to allocate funding for local services without having to worry about the state not meeting its obligations. Additionally, this budget ensures that we pay our bills to the hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies that rely on state funding.
In recent weeks, we have witnessed hospitals and healthcare facilities make hard decisions because of the current funding gap facing MaineCare. This budget is able to fill the funding gap when it goes into effect, and it ensures Maine’s healthcare facilities can count on state dollars. This budget is responsible and balanced.
There are no new taxes or spending cuts to essential programs. It prevents a government shutdown this summer, mitigates property tax increases and establishes a strong baseline budget for the Legislature to build upon throughout this legislative session. Over the course of the next few weeks and months, the Legislature will take up another bill to address additional budget policy discussions.
I am excited for the work that is yet to come, and I am looking forward to working to pass legislation that benefits our community here in Westbrook and the rest of Maine. As always, please feel welcome to reach out to me with any concerns about the budget or any ideas you may have that would improve our community. You can reach me directly at Suzanne.
[email protected] or call my office at 207-287-1430.
Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, is serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives serving House District 128, which includes part of Westbrook. She serves as the House chair of the State and Local Government Committee.
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