N@N

Gov. Mills signs $11.3 billion budget into law

Governor Janet Mills of Maine signed a $11.3 billion budget into law, which was passed by the state legislature without the need for compromise due to the Democratic majority. This budget, effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025, includes significant investments in education, health care, and social services. Key features include $25 million for a new paid family and medical leave program, $76 million to increase reimbursement rates for nursing homes, and $10 million for emergency housing relief. It also allocates funds for free school meals, free community college for recent high school graduates, and increases in state aid for education. Despite these expenditures, the budget aims to maintain a balanced approach by not increasing taxes, although it does not include tax cuts or significant business incentives as requested by some Republicans. The budget was criticized by some for not addressing tax relief or business incentives, but it was praised for its focus on social welfare and education.

Read the Full WMTW Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/gov-mills-signs-11-3-billion-budget-into-law/ar-AA1BpUDg ]