Governor Janet Mills today signed into law a $9.8 billion current services budget that will ensure the continued operations of State government for the next biennium. The Governor also signed a proclamation calling the Legislature back into session next Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Governor Mills issued the following statement:

"I would have preferred to sign a budget that has bipartisan support, but the possibility of a government shutdown â" which would be extremely harmful to Maine people â" is something I cannot accept. This current services budget averts the potential for a shutdown, funds essential government services, and delivers certainty and stability to municipalities, school systems, and others that rely on state resources.

"This should not â" and will not â" be the last word on the budget. I recognize that tensions are high, but there is still a lot of work left to do, with room â" I believe â" for compromise. I urge Democrats and Republicans to reset and to begin anew the work of negotiating their priorities during the next round of budget discussions. I look forward to continuing to engage with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to find common ground."

Read the full proclamation.