Maine committee approves budget with Medicaid funding increase

The Maine Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved a biennial budget that maintains current funding levels but adds money for urgent needs, including Medicaid and spruce budworm treatment. The vote was 7-3, with two members absent. The budget includes an emergency clause, allowing immediate funding if two-thirds of the Legislature supports it. However, Republican opposition suggests this may not happen, complicating timely access to funds for providers relying on MaineCare. The plan does not include new state spending for the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program but reallocates existing funds. It also lacks key Republican requests, such as a review of MaineCare for fraud and structural reform.