It’s officially budget season — the time of the legislative session when legislators in Augusta make difficult decisions about how best to allocate the state’s resources in ways that benefit the hardworking people of Maine. But as we look south to Washington, D.C., it’s increasingly likely the federal budget will cause more harm than good. 

In case you’ve missed it, Republican congressional lawmakers in the House of Representatives have narrowly passed a budget that has been dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This legislation proposes extending 2017 tax cuts and cutting essential programs, such as Medicaid. While proponents argue these cuts will stimulate economic growth, the Committee for Responsible Federal Budget estimates it could add over $3 trillion to the national debt in a decade. 

Now, I’m all for a targeted tax cut that would make things better for working people and families — who isn’t? Here in Maine, I proposed legislation that would get rid of taxes on essential goods like over-the counter-medication and prepared food in grocery stores. But when federal cuts primarily benefit the wealthiest people in our nation and come at the expense of essential services for people who actually pay the most taxes, one has to wonder: Who exactly are we supporting here?

In contrast, here in Augusta, our approach as Democrats is more grounded. Instead of kicking people off their health care and food assistance to make wealthier people even more wealthy, we’re focused on practical solutions that address the real needs of our communities. 

In March, state legislators passed a “continuing services” budget that meets our state’s baseline needs through 2026. We fought to ensure that MaineCare remains robust and accessible to those who rely on it. Health care that Washington sees fit to cut, we see as an obligation to provide for our neighbors. While the federal budget proposes cuts to student loan forgiveness programs and slashes federal education funding, Maine continues to invest in our schools, recognizing that a well-educated community is the backbone of a thriving economy. Not to mention, when the state is able to provide steady funding to Maine’s school systems and municipalities, property taxes can stay lower. 

So, as we prepare part two of our state budget and tackle items beyond our baseline budget, let’s take a moment to appreciate the contrast. While our federal Republican counterparts chase after tax cuts for the wealthy and defund essential services, we’re here in Augusta, rolling up our sleeves to craft a budget that truly supports the people of Maine. 

After all, isn’t that what good governance is all about?

As we get into the budget crafting season, I thought I’d share a tried-and-true recipe — perfect for this year’s fiscal stew. We call it:

How to Cook Up a Balanced State Budget That’s Not Just for the 1%

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of property tax relief (grown for local municipalities)
• 2 heaping tablespoons of fully funded public schools (don’t skimp — this stuff helps the whole state rise)
• A generous pinch of protecting access to health care
• 3 tablespoons of child care investment for providers and families
• 1 stick of infrastructure funding (roads, bridges, ferry docks — you know, the stuff that physically connects our communities and helps our businesses thrive)
• 2 teaspoons of small business grants
• Salt to taste (salt of the earth, that is — working Mainers who actually make the economy run)

Instructions:

1. Preheat expectations to “realistic but hopeful.” We’re not baking a unicorn here — just a budget that won’t burn Maine’s middle class.

2. In a large bipartisan mixing bowl, combine opportunities and priorities slowly, stirring constantly to avoid ideological clumps.

3. Fold in community feedback. 

4. Bake under transparency lights. Sunlight is healthy for all of us! (Every single bill gets a public hearing in Maine!)

So, there you have it, in a budget year when Washington’s recipe is mostly empty calories for corporations and burnt toast for the rest of us, we in Maine can do better. We’re planning on feeding our people.

Mattie Daughtry represents state Senate District 23, Brunswick, Chebeague Island, Freeport, Harpswell, Pownal and part of Yarmouth in the Maine Senate. She also serves as Maine’s Senate president. She can be reached at Mattie.Daughtry@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515.