AUGUSTA, Maine: The Maine Legislature is gearing up to tackle a host of pending matters, stretching beyond just the vetoed bills. In addition to addressing several vetoed bills, lawmakers are set to vote on 80 late spending proposals, a move the governor cautioned could strain the budget.

Democratic Governor Janet Mills criticized the budget committee for advancing these additional spending proposals. She had previously urged the Democratic-controlled Legislature to exercise restraint and set aside funds in anticipation of flat revenues.

A spokesperson for the governor issued a statement, accusing the committee of resorting to "budget gimmicks" like stripping fiscal notes and raiding special revenue accounts, actions the governor had warned against. These measures, the statement warned, could push the state budget to its limits.

Republican leaders in the Legislature voiced their concerns over what they perceive as reckless spending by Democrats. John Bott, spokesperson for House Republicans, expressed worry that Democrats' spending habits could lead to a deficit in the coming years.

Governor Mills has vetoed eight bills this year, including measures related to ending a three-strikes law for petty theft, establishing a minimum wage for farm workers, introducing a new top income tax rate, and banning bump stocks on guns.

The proposed bills under consideration encompass various initiatives, such as allocating more funds for free health clinics, promoting African American and Wabanaki studies in schools, and setting up a civil rights unit within the attorney general's office. Other initiatives aim to provide relief for blueberry growers and grant free entry to state parks for indigenous people, among other provisions.

Originally, the governor's budget allocated around $100 million to offset anticipated flat revenues and navigate an austere budget environment. However, much of that allocation has been utilized by lawmakers.

Although the proposed new spending amounts to about $12 million, the overall impact exceeds $33 million, according to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. These bills would draw from the general fund and transfer funds from special revenue accounts, such as the Fund for Healthy Maine and Bureau of Insurance.

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