Maine's 2026-2027 Biennial Budget

Dear Pine Tree Patriots,

The 2026-2027 biennial budget proposed by Governor Janet Mills outlines significant financial decisions that will impact Mainers across the state. While we appreciate efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility, there are several areas that require your attention and immediate action. If we want our voices heard in shaping this budget, now is the time to contact our district representatives.

Key Concerns in the Budget Requiring Action:

1. 1. Increase in General Fund Spending
      • The budget proposes a $11.6 billion General Fund appropriation, an 11% increase over the previous biennium. This includes new spending in various sectors without significant cost-cutting measures.
      • Constituents should question whether this level of spending is sustainable, particularly given that the Legislature ignored previous calls for fiscal restraint.
   2. Tax Increases and Excise Tax Adjustments
      • Governor Mills proposes a $1 increase in cigarette excise tax, claiming it aligns Maine with other New England states. This tax increase disproportionately affects lower-income Mainers and could lead to unintended economic consequences such as cross-border purchases or a rise in black-market sales.
      • The Legislature needs to hear from Mainers who will be impacted by these tax increases.

• Prescription and Ambulance Surcharge Increase

1. 1. • A significant concern in the proposed budget is the increase in prescription drug costs and ambulance surcharges. 
      • These increases would put additional financial strain on Maine residents, particularly the elderly and low-income families who rely on affordable healthcare and emergency services. 
      • Constituents should demand that the Legislature explore alternatives to these price hikes and prioritize affordable healthcare for all Mainers.
   2. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Expansion
      • The DHHS budget will increase by 15.24%, with expansions to Medicaid and other programs that may strain the state's financial resources in the long term.
      • Lawmakers should be urged to implement spending caps or performance audits to ensure these funds are used efficiently.
   3. Education Spending & Free Community College Program
      • The Department of Education budget will increase by nearly 7%, including the continuation of free community college tuition.
      • While supporting education is vital, taxpayers should consider whether Maine can afford to make this a permanent program without additional revenue sources.
   4. Public Safety & Corrections Funding
      • The Department of Public Safety will receive a 26% budget increase, and the Department of Corrections will see a nearly 12% boost.
      • Legislators should prioritize ensuring that these funds are allocated efficiently to improve crime prevention and law enforcement resources.
   5. Governmental Ethics and Public Defense Costs
      • The Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices sees a 17% increase.
      • The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services receives a 57% increase, one of the highest in the budget.
      • Transparency and accountability on how these funds are spent must be a priority. Legislators should be asked to justify these increases with clear plans on how they will improve services and whether measurable outcomes will be tracked.

• Massive Decrease in Fire Protection Services Funding

1. 1. • The Maine Fire Protection Services Commission's funding is down 99.82%, a drastic cut that could severely impact fire safety programs across the state.
      • This reduction raises concerns about how rural and volunteer fire departments will continue to operate effectively. Lawmakers must explain why this funding has been slashed and what alternative plans exist to ensure adequate fire protection for Maine residents.

• Significant Funding for the New Maine Office of Community Affairs

• Substantial funding will be given to the newly created Maine Office of Community Affairs, raising concerns about whether this is the best use of taxpayer dollars.

1. • While the office’s mission may be to improve community outreach and engagement, its necessity should be questioned, especially given the deep cuts in fire protection services.
   • Mainers deserve transparency on the exact role of this office, its projected benefits, and whether it justifies its cost amid other pressing funding needs.

What You Can Do:

We encourage all members of our community to reach out to their district representatives and voice concerns over unchecked spending and tax increases. If you believe Maine needs to take a more balanced approach, now is the time to demand fiscal responsibility.

To find your legislator and their contact information, visit: https://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/#. 

Let’s ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and that our voices are heard in Augusta.

Sincerely,
Pine Tree Patriot Moderators