Appropriations panel advances multiple language changes in governor’s supplemental budget
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Summary
The Maine Appropriations Committee voted to add several language parts to the governor’s supplemental budget—covering DAF carryforwards, preschool special‑education carryforwards, teacher supplement criteria, DHHS emergency rule authority, and organizational clarity for the Division for the Blind—adopting each motion after brief discussion.
The Appropriations Committee voted on a series of language additions to the governor’s supplemental budget on Feb. 10, advancing measures ranging from carryforward authority to administrative clarifications.
Sen. Peggy Rotundo, chair of the panel, presided as Rep. Drew Gattin moved the first language item, part G, which authorizes remaining balances in the Department of Administrative and Financial Services information services and advisory programs to carry forward each fiscal year. Gattin said the language came from the State and Local Government Committee; the motion was seconded and the committee adopted the language after a voice vote.
Committee members then took up part JJ, from the Education Committee, which clarifies permissible uses of preschool special‑education program funds and allows unexpended funds to be carried forward for the same purpose. Gattin described minor technical changes sent in the governor’s change package; the committee adopted the language unanimously.
The panel also advanced part LL, which adds an alternate eligibility criterion for the salary supplement for national board‑certified teachers based on the percentage of students identified as economically disadvantaged. "This particular initiative has no fiscal impact," Representative Ducharme said during a brief clarification. Members approved the language as proposed.
On administrative authority, the committee adopted part BBB, which authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt emergency rules to implement provisions of the act where it has specific authority without demonstrating an immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare.
Finally, the committee adopted language clarifying the organizational structure of the Division for the Blind and VisuaIly Impaired, as amended by the policy committee to remove a provision that would have required the director to be appointed by the commissioner.
The chair said staff will post unvoted language and return with additional lines at the next meeting.
The committee’s actions set the procedural framework for how the supplemental budget will be implemented and align several technical and programmatic details before the full Legislature considers final appropriations.
