Legislative Republicans renew calls for tax relief and budget cuts

Flanked by members of the Senate and House, Sen. Trey Stewart, R-Aroostook, talks about Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal to spend nearly all of the projected revenue over the next two years. Instead, Stewart said Republicans are proposing $400 million in tax relief with corresponding budget cuts to match. (photo courtesy of Senate Republican Office/Mike Fern)

AUGUSTA – During a press briefing on Thursday, May 18, Republicans in the Senate and House of Representatives renewed calls for budget cuts and comprehensive tax relief. In all, Republicans are seeking $400 million in structural tax changes and related reductions in state spending.

The calls come amid the release of Governor Janet Mills’ budget change package last week. Department of Administrative and Financial Services Commissioner Kirsten Figueroa appeared before the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee on Monday to present the plan.

“Everything is funded. State government is funded. Public schools are funded. Municipalities, local budgets, they’re all funded,” Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart told reporters during the briefing. “So what we’re talking about quite literally is the excess above and beyond everything else and that’s what the fight is going to look like over the next month or so.”

Stewart said Mills spent all anticipated revenue in her change package without including any Republican priorities. That will be the biggest contrast between Republicans and Democrats as budget talks unfold.