Maine lawmakers have reached the last official day of the session but are expected to stay for another week or so to hash out a budget deal. Lawmakers will likely vote on the matter Wednesday.
Loose ends to tie up include Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s $6.8 billion, two-year budget proposal. The budget is due June 30 to avoid a government shutdown and negotiations have stalled over education funding.
There also are a number of bills that still need funding. The Senate sent a bill to require coverage for telehealth medical services to the special appropriations table. Lawmakers have, for now, tabled a two-year plan to provide $1.3 billion for roads and bridges.
Democratic Rep. Andrew McLean says lawmakers can’t pass the highway fund budget until they know the budget’s outcome.