‘Unconscionable’: Lawmakers criticize budget plan to send checks to higher-income Mainers

Some advocates also praised the budget plan. In an email, Maine Center for Economic Policy president Garrett Martin lauded the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and property tax relief provisions in particular. Martin added that under the budget plan, 7,500 additional kids will now have access to health insurance, child care workers will receive better wages and schools will receive the funding they deserve.

“A fair state budget is vital to lifting up Maine people and communities,” Martin said. “We applaud the Mills administration and the AFA committee for their work to boost incomes for families, expand access to health care, increase access to education, and uphold the state’s commitment to funding our schools and local services.”

Click here to read the full story, first published April 15, 2022 in Beacon.