PORTLAND — Gov. Paul LePage wants to find an additional $100 million in state budget savings, in part because of the deficit-reduction plan approved by Congress, a spokeswoman said today.
A bipartisan task force that’s analyzing state departments and agencies with the aim of prioritizing services, consolidating functions and eliminating duplication and inefficiencies is charged by law with finding at least $25 million in savings.
Finance Commissioner Sawin Millett, who is chairman of the bipartisan panel, has said that the level of needed savings is closer to $35 million.
But LePage would like to see more ambitious savings, and has set a goal of $100 million, Adrienne Bennett, his press secretary, said today.
One of the new areas of concern is an estimated $30 million cut in the federal heating assistance program for Maine for the coming year, Bennett said.
“It’s a priority of his to find additional funding to see that some of our most vulnerable residents aren’t put in the position of choosing between their meals or their heating oil. It’s going to be a tough one so we need to brace for some additional cuts,” she said.
In his weekend radio address, the governor discussed the need for more savings. He said the bipartisan task force aimed at streamlining government is a good start.
The task force will make its recommendations in December.
“For too long, Mainers have footed the bill for duplicated government programs and purchasing, questionable travel reimbursements and departments that have little to show for the millions in tax dollars they receive. It’s time to identify the waste and abuse of your tax dollars,” LePage said.
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