Maine state budget
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PublishedMarch 6, 2022
Our View: Maine’s new surplus should fund mental health
State refund checks will help offset inflationary pressures on households, but higher prices are not our only problem.
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PublishedMarch 3, 2022
Our View: Don’t wait to fix Maine’s indigent defense
A lawsuit alleges what many observers of our system for hiring lawyers for the poor have found: The system is broken.
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PublishedFebruary 20, 2022
Jim Fossel: Gov. Mills’ budget is a blueprint, not a mandate
Maine legislators should think twice before spending the surplus on one-time programs and election-year stunts.
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PublishedFebruary 17, 2022
Our View: Gov. Mills’ budget proposal hands a ‘good problem’ to Legislature
How does Maine use this one-time infusion of money to help the people most harmed by COVID, while preparing the state for an uncertain future?
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PublishedFebruary 16, 2022
Maine Voices: Pay Maine community college instructors fairly before granting free tuition
The economic feasibility of a social good cannot rely on the continued perpetuation of a socioeconomic injustice.
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PublishedFebruary 5, 2022
Maine Voices: Why not a sales-tax holiday for Maine?
The projected $800 million budget surplus has positioned Maine well to provide some relief to our more cash-strapped friends and neighbors.
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PublishedDecember 5, 2021
Jim Fossel: Maine budget surplus presents an opportunity
The projected $800 million can be used ideally to simplify our tax system, or at least to bolster the rainy day fund and invest in infrastructure.
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PublishedSeptember 21, 2021
State tax revenues continue to outpace forecasts 2 months into the fiscal year
Gov. Janet Mills announced Tuesday that state revenues were $42 million ahead of forecasts since July 1.
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PublishedJuly 20, 2021
State government savings reach historic level under Mills administration
Facing criticism from Republicans that she would drain the state's 'rainy day fund' and bankrupt state government, Gov. Janet Mills has grown the state's budget stabilization fund to nearly $500 million.
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PublishedJune 30, 2021
Legislature passes $900 million state budget update
There was broad bipartisan support for the bill, which includes $300 direct payments to Mainers who worked through the pandemic.