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…)

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…)

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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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…)

Steven Rowe has rejected some of the governor’s spending reductions, proposing instead to increase the tobacco tax. Without mentioning him by name, Rowe has criticized the Baldacci Administration, proving to Democrats that he would be a very different governor.

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Last week the Second Regular Session of the 124^th Maine Legislature convened.

This session, a great deal of our energy will be devoted to looking at the looming budget shortfall and seeking adjustments that will allow us to balance the budget without unduly burdening our citizens who depend upon the range of services government provides — including education and human services.  To a lesser extent, the discussion has already begun to look at ways to raise new state revenues through tax increases, additional fees, or other tools to increase the state’s resources.  Governor Baldacci has been very clear about his lack of support for such an approach and has used strong language to suggest that he would not approve any broad-based tax increases or other revenue enhancements. (more…)

Whenever a person is denied something they are used to getting they are bound to be a little upset. Education funding makes up slightly over half of Maine’s budget.  It should be no surprise to anyone that the education budget took some cuts.  Many districts have been dealing with cutbacks already.  Now that Governor Baldacci’s supplemental budget is public, one Maine group will seek to stop what they see as unacceptable cuts to Maine’s education funding: the Maine Education Association. (more…)

Governor Baldacci made his supplemental budget changes public today.  The cuts, totaling $438 million, have prompted a response from the Maine GOP’s legislative leaders, Senate GOP Leader Kevin Raye and House GOP Leader Josh Tardy.  The two gives kudos to Baldacci for not increasing taxes to meet budget shortfalls.  Raye and Tardy are still concerned with what will happen once federal stimulus funds dry up.  You can read their full statement after the jump. (more…)