Governor Baldacci made his supplemental budget changes public today. The cuts, totaling $438 million, have prompted a response from the Maine GOP’s legislative leaders, Senate GOP Leader Kevin Raye and House GOP Leader Josh Tardy. The two gives kudos to Baldacci for not increasing taxes to meet budget shortfalls. Raye and Tardy are still concerned with what will happen once federal stimulus funds dry up. You can read their full statement after the jump.
“We believe the Governor deserves credit for his refusal to include tax increases in the supplemental budget, but we need to thoroughly explore the details. We are particularly concerned about proposals that would push the state’s budget problems to the next Governor and the next Legislature, and further burden municipalities.
The fact is state government is still poised for a catastrophic fall off the financial cliff when the federal stimulus comes to an end. While the stimulus has helped to achieve short-term balance in the state budget, it has also tied our hands in making the decisions necessary to establish long-term savings.
Mainers shouldering the burden of the high cost of government are themselves struggling to feed their families, keep a roof over their heads and keep up with the bills. They cannot afford to pay for benefits that are oftentimes better than what they earn themselves.
As we move forward, Republicans in the Legislature will work to achieve a responsible and affordable state government.”
