Lawmakers, advocates see Mills’ ‘flat’ budget as a starting point for negotiations

The governor’s plan relies heavily on federal dollars for its COVID-19 health response and rebuilding from the economic crisis. Any federal relief that comes to the state by way of President-elect Joe Biden and the Democratic majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate will be a short-term influx of money.

Some advocates worry the economic fallout will still be present after that money is spent.

“Maine must set its sights higher than a pre-pandemic baseline in which wealthy households prospered while schools went underfunded and communities and families lacked the resources they needed to truly thrive,” said Garrett Martin, director of Maine Center of Economic Policy, adding that Mill’s budget proposal “is a strong foundation upon which lawmakers can build.”

Click here to read the full story, first published January 15, 2021, in Beacon.