When Democrats and Republicans met Monday to talk bonds, Democrats said they want a little more in the package and Republicans are reportedly standing firm at $83 million. While there may be some haggling over a million or two, it appears the bond package is headed for passage.

The figures will be worked out by the Appropriations Committee on Monday, with a vote in the Legislature scheduled for July 29. Voters will have the final say in November.

While Republicans don’t often let reporters into their caucus meetings, people who were there said most of the members present supported the bond package hammered out by party leaders. Republican support is needed because bonds need a two-thirds vote.

The big disappointment for the Democrats, who welcome reporters to their caucus discussions, was the small number attached to the Land for Maine’s Future – $10 million – and the fact no money was included to help preserve working waterfront or the future farmers program.

The greatest amount of money proposed is $34 million for transportation projects; followed by $20 million for job creation, including some R&D money; $10 million for environmental projects, including water pollution control; $10 million for LMF; and, $9 million for education that would be divided between the University and Community College systems.