AUGUSTA — The top Republican in Maine’s House says he supports a two-year $6.3 billion state budget that Republican Gov. Paul LePage has promised to veto because it includes tax increases.
House Minority Leader Kenneth Fredette of Newport said Thursday that he is backing the budget despite its inclusion of temporary increases in Maine’s 5-percent sales tax and the state’s meals and lodging tax.
Fredette says they must act now to avoid a potential government shutdown.
LePage has said he will veto any budget that raises tax rates. Lawmakers need a two-thirds majority to override a veto, which requires Democratic and Republican support.
The House gave early approval to the budget on a 102 to 47 vote Thursday, setting the bill up for amendments and further votes.
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