Senate Approves State Budget
School Consolidation Proposal Prevents Unanimous Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 7, 2007

AUGUSTA –On Wednesday, June 6, the Maine State Senate passed a biennial state budget, which calls for $6.3 billion in general fund spending.  The budget, because of Maine Republicans’ steadfastness, avoids a $136 million tax increase proposed by Democratic Governor John Baldacci, and a $110 million tax increase called for by the majority Democrats.  It would most likely have received a unanimous vote in the Senate if not for a school consolidation plan some legislators found objectionable.  The final vote in the Senate was 28 to 7.

Among the overall themes of the funding plan is limited state spending and strategic reforms that begin to curb government spending on various budget busting programs, including Medicaid and taxpayer funded benefits, that have been significantly increasing the size of previous budgets.  These two features, along with no new tax increases, had been the three budget principles Maine Republicans were strongly championing throughout budget negotiations.

Senator Karl Turner, of Cumberland, the lead Republican Senator on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee was proud of the funding plan that was born from months of negotiations and late night work sessions.  Among the provisions of the 2-year budget he is most proud of is the nearly $554 million in funding for higher education, including about $18 million for Maine Maritime Academy.  $1.9 million for domestic violence services and support for Maine’s ground fishermen in the form of over $220 thousand in fuel exemptions were accomplishments as well.

 “Leadership, the Appropriations Committee and individual legislators worked very hard to craft the best possible budget, without succumbing to any of the proposed tax increases,” Sen. Turner said.  “Once it was clear this budget required a 2/3^rds vote of the Legislature, both sides had to give a little to get a little.  But, in the end, I believe we have a successful state funding plan.”

 Senate Republican Leader Carol Weston, of Montville, and Assistant Senate Republican Leader Richard Rosen, of Bucksport, split their votes on the budget, with Rosen voting in favor of the package. 

 “This budget limits state spending, avoids the tax increase proposals, and creates a framework to rein in some government programs that have been costing our taxpayers more and more money each year,” Sen. Rosen explained.  “I supported this budget because it is a positive step towards a more affordable government in the immediate and long term future.”

 The seven votes in opposition to the budget were the result of a tremendous concern with the proposed school consolidation plan.  Although that portion of the budget was being re-worked right to the last minute, easing the minds of some legislators with concerns over population density, for example, the final plan did not do enough to assure some Republican Senators that education quality and local control wouldn’t suffer.  Among those legislators was Sen. Weston.

 “I believe that the best possible budget was created under the circumstances,” Sen. Weston said.  “A plan was put forward that achieves many of the budget principles Republicans stood proudly for throughout the entire process.  I believe the changes this budget enacts will make tomorrow a little less scary.  But, I cannot attach my name to a consolidation plan that does not convince me savings will be realized without sacrificing the foundation of a quality education.”

 Overall, Republicans, as the minority party in Maine, consider this budget a success.  Their influence and commitment to fiscal responsibility set the stage for a funding plan that begins to relieve much of the burden Maine is facing, and mutes that burden into the future. With its 2/3^rds approval from both chambers of the Maine Legislature, the budget provisions will be signed into law and go into effect beginning July 1. 

CONTACT:

William Thompson                    287-1505 (o)
Communications Director, Senate Republican Office

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