Updated at 12:55 p.m.

AUGUSTA — A state budget rewrite that closes a $310 million gap between revenues and expenses by cutting education funding, social services and other programs has won the overwhelming endorsement of the Maine House.

Representatives today voted 114-34 to approve the bill before sending it to the Senate, where approval was also expected. The House vote came after representatives defeated two amendments designed to financially help school districts, especially those in poor and rural districts hurt by consolidation and what some see as unfair subsidies.

While the $310 million shortfall made up by the supplemental budget is large, it’s much smaller than the $438 million shortfall forecast in January.

The bill comes to the House and Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support of the Appropriations Committee.

9:38 a.m.

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AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers are taking up a state budget that’s been rewritten to close a $310 million gap between revenues and expenses.

The spending package covering the period through June 30, 2011, is due to come up for a vote in the House and possibly the Senate today. While the shortfall is large, it’s much smaller than the $438 million shortfall forecast in January.

The bill comes to the House and Senate with unanimous support of the Appropriations Committee. With that strong bipartisan support, debate is expected to be minimal when the budget hits the House and Senate.

Improved revenues and federal allocations reduce the depth of cuts that had been targeted for two of Maine’s largest agencies – Health and Human Services and Education.
 


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