AUGUSTA, Maine - As promised, Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed the $6.7 billion two-year state budget, saying it does not meet the goals he set for the budget last January.
LePage says it has too much spending and not enough tax cuts, and for the first time a veto message to lawmakers includes pictures to illustrate the governor's objections.
House Speaker Mark Eves, a Democrat from North Berwick, is not surprised. "The presentation is unique. It's not unexpected. This is something that the governor likes to do. We are here trying to govern, trying to make sure state government doesn't shut down."
The Legislature reconvenes tomorrow morning and leaders of both parties expect the budget veto will be overridden. They also will have to deal with scores of other vetoes and bills they have yet to consider.
