State expects another budget surplus and parties again clash over what to do with it

state budget

Published
April 28, 2023

State expects another budget surplus and parties again clash over what to do with it

Higher prices and higher wages have led to more sales and income taxes being collected by the state, reigniting the debate over whether to cut taxes or invest in state programs.
Published
March 5, 2023

Republicans hope 20-year-old spending cap helps cut Mills’ budget

If left unamended, a safety valve tied to Maine's commitment to fund 55% of public education could chop almost half of Gov. Janet Mills' $900 million proposal.
Published
April 19, 2022

Maine lawmakers approve $1.2 billion state budget

The Legislature easily passed a budget proposal on Tuesday, including funds to send $850 checks to more than 850,000 Mainers.
Published
April 15, 2022

Legislature’s budget panel supports payments to taxpayers, expands eligibility

Under the committee plan, couples earning up to $200,000 a year would now receive $850 relief payments.
Published
March 18, 2022

Gov. Mills proposes payments of $850 to qualifying Mainers as she revises budget

The total amount of direct relief to individual Mainers would be increased by $100 from the governor's previous plan.
Published
March 25, 2021

Democrats advance proposed $8.3 billion state budget to full Legislature

The budget bill, which gained no Republican support in committee, will be taken up by the Legislature when it meets Tuesday at the Augusta Civic Center.
Published
March 24, 2021

Republicans blast Democrats’ budget plan as incomplete, partisan ‘sham’

The state's next 2-year budget could be pushed through with votes by Democrats only as the Legislature heads toward a session next week at the Augusta Civic Center.
Published
March 23, 2021

Democrats signal push to pass state budget without Republicans’ support

The move could keep Gov. Janet Mills in the driver's seat on how new federal pandemic relief funds will be spent.
Published
March 5, 2021

Deal on state tax exemption implodes as Republicans balk at supplemental budget

Democrats support a bill to reduce tax liability for businesses and individuals who received federal COVID-19 relief loans or benefits, but Republicans are pushing for more.
Published
February 25, 2021

Maine tax revenues ahead of forecasts, despite pandemic’s impact

Finance commissioner Kirsten Figueroa said revenues for January were nearly $90 million more than predicted and up by more than $154 million for the first 7 months of the current fiscal year.