FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Jay Finegan, 287-1445
December 16, 2009  
Bonnie Gould, 287-6557
     
Republican Leaders Comment On Supplemental Budget Proposal

Agree with Governor's assertion that Mainers are "fed up" with tax increases

AUGUSTA- Senate Republican Leader Kevin Raye and House Republican Leader Josh Tardy today released the following joint statement in response to the Governor's proposed Supplemental Budget:

"At first blush, the package described by the Governor today sounds generally reasonable and balanced, though we do have questions about the impact of the Governor's plan on the ability of Maine's hospitals to continue to provide quality health care across Maine. The State is already in arrears to the hospitals to the tune of more than $426 million, so we must closely examine the potential effect of the proposed policy changes that would reduce reimbursement for hospital-based physicians and critical access hospitals."

"The Legislature now has a responsibility to carefully scrutinize each component in detail before passing judgment. We agree with the Governor' refusal to include tax or fee increases in the Supplement Budget and are pleased that he has ruled out tax increases for the biennial budget. A time of economic crisis is exactly the worst time to raise taxes. The people of Maine spoke loud and clear on Question 1: the people's veto of the ill-conceived tax on health care claims and beverages. Republicans in the Legislature stand with the people of Maine, and agree with the Governor's assertion that Mainers are 'fed up' with tax increases."

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