AUGUSTA (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Maine are sparring over a potential state budget deal.
House Democratic spokeswoman Jodi Quintero said Monday that Democrats have agreed to include a constitutional amendment proposal designed to make it harder for lawmakers to raise income taxes in the future. In exchange, Democrats are seeking more money for K-12 and higher education and more property tax relief through the homestead program, among other things.
Republican Senate President Michael Thibodeau told the Portland Press Herald that the constitutional amendment would be “monumental in moving the state forward.”
But House Republican Leader Ken Fredette said his caucus will not support a budget that doesn’t include income tax cuts or Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed welfare changes.
A budget must be in place by June 30.
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