PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage encountered stiff criticism to his proposed MaineCare cuts in northern Maine, leading to a sharp exchange during the first of three stops.
Judy Paradis, a former state legislator from northern Aroostook County, criticized LePage during the meeting, saying, “You come off as a bully,” according to a citizen’s videotape of the session.
LePage, seeking to emphasize the state’s financial predicament, asked, “What planet are you on?”
The exchange happened Tuesday in Fort Kent during a public workshop used to explain LePage’s budget proposal calling for major cuts in MaineCare. On Wednesday, a second forum was moved to Northern Maine Community College to accommodate a larger crowd than initially anticipated, about 250 people, some of whom had to stand.
LePage said Tuesday that MaineCare cuts are needed to avoid having the program run out of money by April 1. Cuts in benefits and eligibility are needed to close a $221 million state budget gap through mid-2013, the governor said. Many of those attending the sessions were concerned about cutting funds for private nonmedical institutions, or PNMIs.
Democratic state Rep. John Martin of Eagle Lake expressed a willingness to find another way to keep the PNMIs funded. Martin serves on the Appropriations Committee, which deals with budget matters.
Thursday’s final meeting will be at the Houlton Higher Education Center. The workshops are organized by the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging. LePage only attended the first meeting in Fort Kent.
Yay, northern Maine! Judy Paradis, you tell it like it is!
give me a break. we need to cut spending period!!!!
Judy Paradis, knows how easy it is to be the critic. I think for every criticism she should have to make a positive suggestion on how to cope with this huge problem not of Lepage’s making. Grow up.
At least John Martin got real and is moving forward to find a solution. Paul will appreciate that. Judy Paradis is still posturing for reelection , as always.
So how many suggestions and/or proposals on how to deal with the state’s budget issues came from the fine people of Northern Maine?? Or is criticism all that was offered?? Thank you Mr. Martin for at least having an open mind towards solution(s)……
This is exactly why we need to have cuts and restructure to our system….it’s taking away from the truly needy which is the
PNMIs!
she called him the right name for sure a big bully I agree with you Judy , he thinks hes higher then even the President, I am not an Obama fan but he is our president I at least repect him, I can’t respect this bully to me he is not respectful
Need to take some food from him big bully
Big bully and big belly.
for sure, Maine gal17 what do you suppose he will do with all these sick people? this Jerk is a joke
Judy Paradis and Emily Cain–two peas in a pod?