AUGUSTA – For two reasons, legislators are planning to cut $250 million this week from the budget that begins July 1. They’re feeling pressured by Republicans who’ve been gathering referendum signatures to overturn borrowing in the state budget, and Gov. John Baldacci has decided closing the budget by borrowing isn’t what he wants to do now.

True, the $5.7 billion, two-year state budget had already been passed, but nothing is ever final until legislators go home. Adjournment is supposed to be Wednesday, but it could be a bit later.

Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, the Senate chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, warned cuts will mean suffering.

“In order to get rid of the borrowing, we don’t have much leeway,” she said. “There are going to be painful cuts.”

One cut being considered is taking health care from poor, working adults, called “non-categorials” in bureaucratic MaineCare language. Another is taking money from Dirigo Health, which could make it difficult for the program to continue, Rotundo said. Providing health care is especially important to Democrats. “We’ll have to see if the committee wants to go there, how much pain can people deal with,” Rotundo said. “The cuts we’re looking at are not easy ones. They will affect people’s lives, but we have to remain committed to providing the safety net our most vulnerable (people) need.”

When it comes to the budget and taxes, Republicans have insisted there’s room for more cuts. Many Democrats want to raise taxes, but Baldacci and Republicans have said no to that. Before the week is over, however, there could be serious consideration given to raising cigarette taxes from $1 to $1.75 a pack, according to documents in front of the Appropriations Committee. Hiking cigarette taxes 75 cents a pack would only raise $50 million, which still means another $200 million in cuts.

While cigarette taxes are being talked about in the halls, Rotundo said her committee has not yet discussed that. “Now, we’re focused on cuts. If there needs to be new revenue, we’ll go there, but first we’re going to go through the cuts before we even have a conversation about the possibility.”

After the Appropriations Committee comes out with its recommended cuts, both parties will discuss the list during caucuses before voting this week, Rotundo said.

Other big topics expected for debate in the final week are bonds on November’s ballot, plus a possible veto override or referendum allowing the Passamaquoddy to have 1,500 slot machines in Washington County.

Marijuana fines debated

In a related but different budget package voted on by the House last week (addressing a $73 million reduction in federal Medicaid money to Maine), Rep. John Eder of Portland objected to increasing marijuana fines and making the fines mandatory during sentencing.

The lone Green Party legislator said that 70 percent of those sentenced for marijuana possession are under 25. “What happens when these people are busted and sentenced? Now, they’re no longer eligible for college loans,” Eder said, adding that making it harder for Maine’s young people to go to college is no way to close the budget.

Others, like Rep. Janet Mills, D-Farmington, a former district attorney, said that if someone can afford to buy, use or sell marijuana, “They probably have the money to pay the fine. The state has the right to book this revenue.”

The youngest legislator, Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, 25, who represents University of Maine students, said budget alternatives were limited, and marijuana use is illegal. Since having a criminal charge on a person’s background can make the individual ineligible for student loans, mandatory fines could serve as an incentive “for them not to do it,” she said.

The House voted 127-19 for higher pot fines.

Mom turns 95

In the final, hectic days of the session last week, Rep. Elaine Makas, D-Lewiston, took time to remember her mother’s 95th birthday. Last Monday, Makas took Doris Makas with her to the State House. House members stood and applauded the birthday girl. “She loved it,” the daughter said.

Bonnie Washuk is a Sun Journal State House reporter.