AUGUSTA — Citing economic hardships amid “unprecedented times,” Gov. John Baldacci has outlined his plan to close a $438 million state budget gap that includes the heaviest hits on education and human services programs, but no new taxes or fees.
The governor’s plan, forced mostly by smaller-than-expected revenues amid the recession, goes to the Legislature when it reconvenes in January.
In his presentation Friday, Baldacci said his proposed revisions call for elimination of 44 state jobs, reduced funding for public schools and higher education, reduced rates paid for many Medicaid service providers, municipal revenue sharing and reimbursement rates under MaineCare for hospital treatments.
Baldacci said that in the past year, anticipated state revenues have been reduced by $1.1 billion.