Legislature adjourns
for 2008
Amid budget shortfall and consolidation proposals,
a number of positive bills pass into law – list below
April 18, 2008
AUGUSTA – The Maine Legislature adjourn for the year on Friday
night, April 18. Although much of the focus in 2008 had been on closing
an unexpected budget shortfall and proposals to consolidate school
districts and jails, many bills were passed into law in 2008 that
will help Mainers to save costs on health care and energy; encourage
renewable resources and alternative transportation; protect children
from exposure to toxic chemicals; boost road and bridge repairs;
increase wages and encourage economic development.
“It was a challenging year for the Legislature, but we have
a lot to be proud of,” said House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree,
D-North Haven. “A small handful of issues capitalized a lot
of our time and the public’s attention. But we passed a number
of Democratic bills into law this year that will continue to move
Maine forward in the critical arenas of health care access, energy,
public safety and transportation.” Click
here to read more.
House
enacts budget compromise
State budget closes $190 million
structural gap: restores cuts to health care, no new taxes, no
rainy day fund
March 31, 2008
AUGUSTA – The Maine House of Representatives passed the supplemental
state budget to be enacted by a vote of 84-55 at around 9 p.m. Monday
evening. The budget will now go to the State Senate for final enactment
and then to Governor Baldacci, who has said he will sign it into
law. Click here to read
more.
Legislature passes measure to restore funding for
mental health, protect services in small rural hospitals
March 31, 2008
AUGUSTA – The Maine House passed a measure on Monday night
to restore proposed cuts to mental health services, prevent cuts
in reimbursements to hospital-based physicians who care for patients
through the State’s MaineCare program, and adjust the hospitals’ tax
structure in order to draw down more support from the federal government. Click
here to read more.
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