Governor Janet J. Mills at a Serious Portland Meeting on Asylum Seekers at City Hall Last Friday Afternoon.
Joined by Democrat and Republican lawmakers, Governor Janet Mills yesterday signed into law the state’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 biennal budget. The budget, which the Legislature enacted last Friday with the bipartisan support of two-thirds of its member, expands health care, improves Maine’s education system, provides property tax relief and invests in the state’s Rainy Day Fund according to a press release issued by her office.
“By expanding access to health care, improving our education system, delivering property tax relief and putting money into the Rainy Day Fund, this bipartisan budget invests in Maine’s future and delivers what Maine people want,” said Governor Mills, the first women Governor in Maine. “I applaud Democrats and Republicans for working together to build consensus on these critical issues and although no one got everything they want – as is the case in any good compromise – together we have achieved important progress on behalf of the people of Maine.”
“The budget signed by the Governor today is one that all Mainers can be proud of. It increases access to health care, better funds for our public schools and brings desperately needed property tax relief to Mainers,” said Speaker Sara Gideon. “We’re finally in a position as a State to look forward to invest in our future and follow through on commitments we’ve made to Mainers. At the same time, this budget allows state government to meet its obligations while continuing to live within our means, I couldn’t be more grateful to the Governor and to the Legislators and staff who put so much work into creating this bipartisan agreement.”
“The Maine Legislature passed a bipartisan budget that directly responds to the greatest needs of the people, small business and communities,” said Senate President Troy Jackson (D-Allagash). “Both Senator Breen and Representative Gattine entered the bipartisan compromise on a budget. And the results speak for themselves. This budget answers Maine taxpayers’ call for property tax relief without leaving towns in the lurch. It invests in workforce development and education to both fill gaps in our workforce and ensures Maine children have the skills necessary for good-paying jobs. It also sets aside savings by adding to the Rainy Day Fund. This is what good governance looks like – elected officials working together to keep our promise to Maine people,” Jackson concluded.