LEGISLATURE’S BIPARTISAN BUDGET APPROVED LePage has threatened to veto budget AUGUSTA--The Maine Senate in a unanimous vote of 35-0 endorsed a $32 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2015. “This budget is a true testament to what can happen when lawmakers work together. In extraordinary circumstances members from both parties came together and said we will fulfill our commitment to the people of Maine,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland. “This is a budget that sets priorities and helps thousands of Mainers--from our youngest pre-schoolers to our senior citizens.” The budget bill closes a MaineCare shortfall in fiscal year 2015, while also funding $5 million for services for people with disabilities on the DHHS wait lists and $5 million in additional reimbursement for Maines struggling nursing homes. The funds would eliminate and reduce the wait lists, allowing hundreds of individuals with severe disabilities to get critical home based care services. It also provides $2 million for critical services required under the state’s court ordered mental health consent decree and increases funds for safety and security at Riverview and Dorothea Dix by more than $900,000. “What’s not to like about this budget?” asked Senator Dawn Hill of York, the Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee. “This bipartisan budget takes everyone off the waitlists for healthcare services, addresses many of the state’s long-term problems, and does so without raising taxes or fees.” In addition to funding key Health and Human Services initiatives, the measure adds funding to education programs, including $650,000 for the Bridge Year program, $300,000 in funding for Jobs for Maines Graduates, and $750,000 for Head Start. It also provides $750,000 for municipal homestead reimbursements. The bill is funded from key sources, including $20 million in savings from extending cycle payments in MaineCare; $3 million in savings found from greater scrutiny of payments to hospitals and other MaineCare providers; $3.5 million in transfers from unexpended funds from Dirgo Health, the Finance Authority of Maine, and the House Opportunity Maine (HOME) fund; $1.9 million in funds from tax audits, and $1.3 million in position savings. In media reports, Governor LePage has threatened to veto the budget in spite of refusing to propose a budget or participate in the budget process. “A budget is more than math. It’s a living, breathing document--a reflection of what we care about,” said Senator Emily Cain of Orono. “This budget is good for kids, good for families, good for seniors, and good for our communities.” Earlier this month, the Appropriations Committee’s $58 million budget became law without Governor LePage’s signature. The budget bill, LD 1858, “An Act To Achieve the Savings Required under Part F of the Biennial Budget and To Change Certain Provisions of the Law for Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015,” will now be sent to Governor LePage.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 17:26:37 +0000
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