AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. Paul LePage is pledging to take action to prevent a state shutdown should a new budget not be finally passed by June 30.
Meeting with reporters late Monday afternoon, the governor outlined his strategy. But legislative leaders say they are close to a budget deal that can pass without the governor’s approval well before the deadline.
Gov. LePage told reporters he is concerned about all the speculation from lawmakers and the media about a possible state government shutdown should the two-year state budget not be resolved by June 30, when the current budget runs out.
“There is no reason why they can’t continue to work beyond June 30th with a continuing resolution which I will give them," LePage said. "We will word it for them so they don’t make any spelling errors.”
The governor went on to say if there is a shutdown, it will be the responsibility of legislative leaders, Democrats in particular, for not supporting a temporary budget until a deal can be reached.
Senate President Mike Thibodeau, a Republican from Winterport, says the governor's back-up plan will not be needed.
“Well, I appreciate the governor’s concern. I am convinced we are closing in on a deal that will make all parties happy.”
He says the deal has not been finalized by leaders and will need support of all four party caucuses to pass, but he believes they are very close to a deal that addresses such issues as welfare reform and a cut in income taxes.
House Speaker Mark Eves, a Democrat from North Berwick, agrees that progress is being made.
“I want to be extremely clear. The Democrats have put forward a proposal and want to make sure this is implemented into law. If you are here illegally, you get no benefits.”
Eves says the subject of intense negotiation is an income tax cut of about $80 million a year, funded by keeping the current sales tax rate of 5.5 percent after July 1. Under current budget law it reverts back to 5 percent.
He says the discussion is over how to distribute that reduction to Mainers. “Who benefits is at stake here. Democrats are making sure that middle class families win in this budget.”
Thibodeau says he's confident a formula can be reached that will satisfy all of the party caucuses. He says the leaders have been working hard to settle their differences with House Republican Leader Ken Fredette of Newport and Senate Democratic leader Justin Alfond of Portland involved in the ongoing talks.
“There are some small issues left on the table that are, you know, are very important to both parties. We are trying to work on language to make sure that everybody can agree, but we are close. I would expect in the next 24 to 48 hours we will have a budget.”
LePage is convinced that no matter what they come up with, he will not be able to support it. He says Republicans in the Legislature have already negotiated away some of his major priorities, like eliminating the income tax through a constitutional amendment and doing away with estate tax.
“I have no idea what they are doing; I have no clue what they are doing right now. I am not part of it, I am not involved in it. I am trying to let them come to a budget that is workable for the Maine people. And as I have said before, whatever budget they are coming up with is certainly something I won’t want.”
And the governor reiterated his pledge that he will campaign for his issues through a people’s initiative and by supporting candidates in the 2016 elections that support his policies, and oppose those who do not.
