Due to what many are calling a “rosier” economic outlook, Governor Baldacci has released a proposal for a revised budget.  Baldacci restored $78.7 million in cuts today.  “From the beginning, I have been committed to presenting a fiscally responsible plan to balance the State budget,” Governor Baldacci said.  “The slight improvement in the economy and the increased assistance from the federal government allow us to address legitimate concerns in human services and education while also making investments in Maine’s long-term financial health.”  (more…)

Let me preface this, my first contribution to the Augusta Insider, by saying that I honestly believe most folks who are elected to go to Augusta believe that they can work in a bipartisan fashion. I serve on the Utilities and Energy Committee, which last session had the highest percentage of unanimous committee reports. I can count on one hand, the number of bills that we didn’t come to a consensus on. And, if my memory serves me correctly, only one of those unresolved issues was a result of partisan disagreements. (more…)

It is clear at this point that Maine’s schools are not immune to the budget pinch.  Yesterday, Simon Thompson wrote about possible cuts to the Portland sex education program.  This week several school district budget have begun to tackle funding problems.  Scarborough, South Portland, Falmouth, and Cumberland are fighting a fierce battle over funding.  What is going on in these communities could provide lessons for other Maine districts facing the same problems. (more…)

With Legislative leadership committed to an early adjournment in order to save money, the pace of business in Augusta has quickened.  The budget debate is the most important discussion currently underway, and given my place on the Health and Human Services Committee — which has to evaluate over $90 million in cuts proposed by the Administration — I’ve become very familiar with the road between Rumford and Augusta. (more…)

Legislative solutions to Maine educational budget problems are starting to come in.  Rep. Ralph Sarty (R-Denmark) released a proposal for one such idea today.  Rep. Sarty’s legislation would give districts the option to self-insure and hopefully save money.  “I’ve spoken with nearly 20 school superintendents, and they are all intrigued by this idea,” said Rep. Sarty (R-Denmark). “They are keenly aware that the state’s General Purpose Aid for local schools will drop by $92 million next year and is expected to remain at that level for the following biennium. Health insurance for teachers is costly, and superintendents are very interested in the idea of saving money by self-insuring. They see it as a way of preserving positions for teachers.” (more…)

When Steve Rowe came out in support of raising the tobacco tax, to cover revenue loss, not everyone was pleased.  Matt Gagnon called the proposal a “very gimmicky” solution to the budget gap.  A thread at As Maine Goes calls the tobacco tax a scam – and criticism wasn’t just from the right.

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Our article regarding the failed National Popular Vote proposal did not delve into the details of the two-and-half-hour floor debate. The Kennebec Journal made an attempt to, but failed drastically when they misrepresented the point legislators were trying to make.

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The Maine House of Representatives today debated the National Popular Vote proposal for two and a half hours, eventually defeating the measure 95-50.

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Maine is not the only state going through lean budget times.  Across the country states are agonizing over what programs to cut and save in order to come to terms with revenue shortfalls.  The education budget took a big hit, leaving districts scrambling to make ends meet.  A lot of folks want to raise taxes in some capacity.  That certainly is one way the state to mitigate education funding loss.  Cutting programs, increasing class sizes (ie. firing teachers), and mandatory pay freezes are a few of the other ideas being tossed around.  Times like these often spur great innovative solutions.  I’m not sure if I would call this plan from Washington state one of those, but it’s still worth discussing.   (more…)