Gov. Janet Mills is proposing to spend an additional $50 million to build more affordable housing, $12 million on homeless shelters and $31 million to shore up the state’s emergency medical system in a new budget released Wednesday.
The budget makes use of surplus and projected revenues that are in addition to the $9.9 billion two-year budget enacted by Democrats last month.
This budget proposal totals $432 million, according to the governor’s office.
“This proposal lives within our means, using revenues in a responsible way to address serious, pressing issues — like the housing crunch, homelessness, and food insecurity — while also making thoughtful, strategic investments that will strengthen our economy and make Maine a better place to live in the long-run,” Mills said in a statement.
The budget does not include tax cuts called for by Republicans, who have said that surplus state revenues mean the state is collecting too much tax money.
House and Senate Republicans put out a one-sentence statement following the budget's release.
"We don't find the Governor's change package responsive to the times, or responsive to the needs of Maine people," they said.
The $50 million earmarked for housing needs is in addition to the $30 million that was in the budget already enacted.
Of the $80 million total, $35 million is for the rural affordable rental housing program; $35 million is for the low-income housing tax credit program and $10 million is to establish a fund to “accelerate housing production.”
Other initiatives include:
- $50 million for school renovations
- $22 million to improve water systems
- $19.8 million for a one-time 3% cost of living adjustment for retired state employees
- $15 million to pay energy costs for low-income Mainers
- $12 million for offshore wind port preparation
- $4.9 million for children’s behavioral health services
- $1 million for a strengthening families program announced Tuesday
The budget proposal will be reviewed by lawmakers in the coming weeks.