Despite increased revenues,
next year will still see reductions
AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci proposed to alleviate some of the deepest cuts in the state budget Wednesday by providing additional funds to support human services and education.
A revised state revenue forecast that projects a $51 million increase in receipts this fiscal year and next, and additional federal money, combined to give the governor and the Legislature $78.7 million of breathing room.
“Despite today’s good news, we know that our economy is fragile and recovery is far from certain,” Baldacci said during a news conference in his office.
Baldacci continued to characterize state spending as frugal, saying the current two-year budget will be $5.6 billion – a modest increase from his first budget, seven years ago, that was $5.4 billion.
Even with the increased revenue, state lawmakers face a $360 million shortfall.
Click on the link for the rest of today’s story by Susan Cover in the Kennebec Journal.
My name is Keith Michaud and this is “Letters From Away,” a blog written by a Mainer living outside the comfortable and sane confines of New England. The blog is intended for Mainers, whether they live in the Pine Tree State or beyond, and for anyone who has loved ’em, been baffled by ’em or both. Ayuh, I am “from away.” Worse still, I live on the Left Coast – in California. Enjoy! Or not. Your choice.
Letters From Away 