AUGUSTA — The Maine Legislature’s budget committee is racing to get work done on a two-year state government spending and tax plan.

With leaders looking toward an early June adjournment, the Appropriations Committee is working long hours this week as it tries to reach bipartisan consensus on a $6.1 billion budget for the two years starting July 1. The budget could encompass income tax cuts and pension cutbacks sought by Gov. Paul LePage.

The governor’s proposals prompted a rally today by retired Maine workers and others who claim the $203 million in tax breaks would come largely at the expense of retired public workers. They favor an alternative proposal that saves $150 million in the upcoming budget and reduces the unfunded liability to the state pension system by over $780 million.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.