Committee approves budget deal
Lawmakers on the appropriations committee have unanimously backed a plan to close an estimated $140 million budget shortfall in the Department of Health and Human Services, parts of which Gov. Paul LePage does not support, according to his spokeswoman.
Adrienne Bennett told MaineToday Media LePage finds parts of the budget deal “unacceptable” and lacking what he sees are necessary changes to the welfare system. The plan includes transferring $59 million from the next fiscal year to this one; cutting $20 million from Dirigo Health and hospitals; saving $11 million by freezing enrollment for and eventually eliminating MaineCare for childless adults; and recouping $11 million in MaineCare overpayments. The Senate and House are expected to vote on the plan next week, and committee leaders said they believe they can get a two-thirds majority vote necessary to pass it.
Bennett did not say whether LePage planned to veto the budget deal.
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