Legislature passes $900 million state budget update

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 30, 2021

The Maine Legislature gave sweeping approval Wednesday to state budget changes proposed by Gov. Janet Mills that will funnel $900 million in unanticipated revenue into education, revenue sharing for cities and towns, and direct payments of up to $300 for Mainers who worked through the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget also invests in conserving and enhancing the state’s natural resources and public lands with $40 million earmarked for the Land for Maine’s Future Program and funding to clean up “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, from Maine farmlands.