Taking threat of shutdown off the table, Legislature passes 'back-to-basics' budget

The Maine legislature passed Tuesday what Democrats are calling a “back-to-basics” biennial budget that party leaders say will provide Mainers with stability as the state continues to recover from the pandemic and prevent the possibility of a government shutdown that could halt crucial services.

The budget, which mirrors the spending plan passed by the legislature in 2019, was approved mostly along party lines. In initial votes, the House approved the measure 78-66 and the Senate voted in favor 21-13, with one Senate Democrat voting with Republicans against the budget. Subsequent enactment votes were passed 77-67 in the House and 20-14 in the Senate, with Sens. Bill Diamond (D-Cumberland) and Chloe Maxmin (D-Lincoln) joining Republicans in voting against the budget.

Because Republicans did not support the measure and it failed to receive two-thirds support, Democrats amended the budget to pass it by a simple majority. That means the legislature will have to adjourn in order for the spending plan to go into effect in 90 days.

After the votes Tuesday afternoon, Senate President Troy Jackson (D-Aroostook) and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) said the legislature would attempt to call itself back for a special session after it adjourns. If Republicans block that effort, Jackson said Gov. Janet Mills will compel the legislature to return for a special session April 28. Jackson said all remaining bills will be carried over to that session.

Read more: https://mainebeacon.com/taking-threat-of-shutdown-off-the-table-legislature-passes-back-to-basics-budget/