Gov. Paul LePage recently introduced his proposed two-year budget, and it’s important to recognize that any budget is more than just dollars and cents. It is an expression of our priorities, and what direction we want the state to go.

While I agree with some of the governor’s proposals, I have strong concerns that the budget he has put out unfairly burdens Maine’s middle class, communities, small businesses and our most vulnerable neighbors.

The budget is essentially a $400 million cost shift to the middle class. The budget eliminates state funds for programs that help the elderly pay for medicine. It cuts state funding to cities and towns ”“ called municipal revenue sharing ”“ and reduces property tax relief by eliminating the Homestead Property Tax exemption and the Circuit Breaker Program for anyone under the age of 65. 

Arguably the most controversial part of the proposal is the cut to municipal revenue sharing. Because of previous cuts to revenue sharing, municipalities are facing difficult choices about whether to drastically cut services, raise property taxes, or both. For example, in the district I represent, Sanford stands to lose approximately $5.3 million in revenue over two years. Alfred loses approximately $480,000, Limington loses approximately $425,000, Lyman loses approximately $579,000 and Waterboro loses approximately $1 million.

Also concerning is the $100 million proposal to build a new prison in Windham, funded by a bond that does not require approval by the voters. This is troubling for a few reasons: One, we do not need it. While in a perfect world we could always invest in upgrades, the facility in Windham does not meet the standard for the kind of spending the governor is proposing, especially in light of what goes unfunded in his proposal.

Also, the use of a bond that does not require voter approval troubles me greatly. I support responsible bonding when it provides investments in our roads and bridges, in research and development, and in other areas that strengthen our economy. In fact, voters approved bonds that did just that last November, and Gov. LePage so far has refused to issue them, ignoring the will of the overwhelming majority of voters and of over two-thirds of the Legislature, which passed them last year with bipartisan votes.

I would much rather we borrow to invest in education and our roads and bridges than invest in jails.

The governor’s proposed budget reflects his priorities and choices. We will review each of his proposals carefully, and our response will reflect our priorities. I believe we need a balanced and responsible budget that won’t undercut our state’s economy or harm our efforts to grow the middle class. Now we must roll up our sleeves and get to work to pass a budget that reflects our shared values and sets Maine in the right direction.

— Sen. John Tuttle, D-Sanford, represents Senate District 3 ”“ Alfred, Limington, Lyman, Sanford and Waterboro. His column will appear on the third Monday of each month.