Eye on Augusta: EVs, Revenue Sharing, Expanding Abortion Access & More

“Well-maintained roads, good schools, robust public works, parks, and libraries help people and small businesses plant deep roots in the towns and cities they call home,” wrote Sarah Austin of the Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP). “When we underfund those services, it makes it harder for families and entrepreneurs to thrive.” 

Gov. Janet Mills’ proposed budget would reduce revenue sharing to 2.5 percent in 2020, then raise it slightly to 3 percent in 2021, which would effectively shortchange communities by about $160 million over the two-year budget cycle, according to MECEP. Assistant House Republican Leader Trey Stewart (R-Presque Isle) said his caucus opposed the bill because the measure is “too much, too fast” and it would disrupt current budget negotiations.

Click here to read the full story, first published May 30, 2019, in the Free Press.