State lawmakers are back at work today in a rare Sunday session of the Maine Legislature. They are expected to vote on yet another compromise state budget proposal.
As the state enters day two of a government shutdown, a specially-assigned legislative committee is taking up a compromise budget based on demands set forth by Gov. Paul LePage and House Republicans, who blocked an emergency spending plan earlier this week.
On Saturday, House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, of Newport, outlined nearly two dozen changes his members, and the governor, want. They include elimination of the proposed increase in the lodging tax and future elimination of positions in state government totaling $3.5 million.
“These are not huge items," Fredette said Saturday. "I think those are, to some extent, make or break items for the chief executive. I don’t want to speak for him totally, but those are make or break items.”
Some of the proposals, such as a voluntary pilot program for a statewide teacher contract and a reduction of $4.5 million to the community college system are already raising red flags for members of both parties.
Democrats expressed frustration with the process. “I don’t know who I am negotiating with," Sen. Cathy Breen, of Falmouth, told Fredette. "Is it you Mr. Fredette? Or is it the chief executive?"
"What I am trying to do is get us to 'yes,' " Fredette responded.
For Rep. Aaron Frey, a Democrat from Bangor, the question was whether House Republicans will support any agreement the governor rejects.
“Are the House Republicans going to support the budget in the chamber or are we going to have to go back to the negotiation table until we get an affirmative 'yes?' " Frey asked Fredette.
"The House Republicans want to support a budget the chief executive can sign,” Fredette said.
