A critical budget to protect Maine’s health care system and forests was torpedoed by Senate Republicans today, who reversed course and voted against using existing state funds for urgent needs even after House Republicans voted overwhelmingly to support it. The bill initially had bipartisan support and would have directed surplus funds — money Maine already has — to struggling health care providers and efforts to stop a devastating tree-killing pest.
“This isn’t responsible governance — it’s sabotage,” said MECEP President & CEO Garrett Martin. “Senate Republicans had the money in hand but chose political games over protecting Maine families and forests.”
The funding would have helped pay health care workers, nursing homes, and free clinics. Payments are already beginning to be reduced or stopped, forcing providers to pay out of pocket or shut down services. Many hospitals, especially in rural areas, are struggling financially and have very little money saved — it could now be even harder for them to stay open and care for patients.
The blocked budget also included funding to spray 300,000 acres of forest to stop the spread of the spruce budworm, an invasive pest that could cause nearly $800 million in damage. Without immediate action, Maine’s timber industry faces catastrophic losses.
Senate Democrats made major concessions to appease Senate Republicans, including restrictions on housing support through General Assistance and a MaineCare efficiency study. Yet, despite these giveaways, Senate Republicans still walked away.
“Senate Democrats agreed to harmful cuts for vulnerable Mainers to appease their Republican colleagues, and still got nothing in return,” said Martin. “The bottom line is that Maine had the funds. Republicans blocked them. Now, Mainers will pay the price.”
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Related reading: “Maine Senate Republicans backtrack on budget deal, jeopardizing health care and forestry” by MECEP Economic Policy Analyst James Myall
