Two-thirds vote would be required for legislation exceeding state spending limits
AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate today passed a joint rule that would require any new legislation that would exceed state spending limitations must receive two-thirds support from both the House and Senate. The spending limit rule will now go to the House of Representatives for final approval.
Commenting on the rules passage, Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell, D-Kennebec County, said “The Senate Democratic Caucus is pleased that we have been able to find common ground with our Republican Colleagues in the Senate.” Senator Mitchell added, “We believe this vote shows the public that we are committed to working together on important issues ahead of us like the crafting of a budget that stays within the statutory spending cap.
Senator Elizabeth Schneider, D-Penobscot County, added the spending cap rule is a good step toward cooperation, “This is a symbolic gesture of our good faith and willingness and mine to work in a collaborative way to do business over the next two years.”
To demonstrate the resolve of Senate Democrats to work with their Republican counterparts over the next two years on Maine’s most important issues, Senator Mitchell said during floor debate, “Two years from now when we go home, I hope that together, we can stand up and say that we heard you, and that we can say that with real results.”
Senator John Nutting, D-Androscoggin County, also added, “This rule says that if we are going to exceed a spending cap, it’s going to be done so in a bi-partisan way, and I think that is a very good message.”
