AUGUSTA, Maine — On Sunday, the Maine Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee reached a unanimous, bipartisan agreement on the state budget. The proposal will go before the full Legislature on Wednesday for a vote.
According to a release from Christine Kirby, communications director for Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, the proposed budget would provide a one-time $300 “hazard payment” to Mainers earning $75,000 or less as an individual, or $150,000 or less for joint filers. Kirby said this would support more than 500,000 Mainers who worked in unprecedented and hazardous circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement Sunday, Gov. Janet Mills applauded the deal.
“From 55 percent school funding, to full revenue sharing, to increased property tax relief, to health care, and much more, this budget makes important, meaningful, and historic progress for Maine people," Mills said. "I applaud the members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee for their hard work in reaching this unanimous, bipartisan agreement.”
The proposed budget also adds $45M to the School Revolving Renovation Fund, so schools can afford to make critical health, safety, and capital upgrades.
“Today, the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved a bipartisan proposal that finally makes good on our longstanding commitment to Maine schools, property taxpayers, and municipalities," Jackson said in a release. "It also responds to the hardships that Mainers experienced during this pandemic. The proposal provides a one-time hazard bonus to the hardworking men and women, who worked through the pandemic in difficult circumstances. It also funds Maine nursing homes and senior living facilities to ensure these facilities and the incredible professionals who care for our loved ones can continue with this important work."
The budget would also make School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs available to all Maine students at no cost. Given the projected increase in students likely to qualify for school meals in the wake of the pandemic, the Mill administration said this will ensure that no student goes to school hungry.
