Maine budget-writing committee makes bipartisan compromise on budget that provides tax relief [Video]

The Maine Legislature’s budget-writing committee has reached a bipartisan compromise on the remaining $800 million to $900 million in spending in the upcoming budget, providing startup funding for paid family leave, investing more in child care and providing tax cuts for retirees.

The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee began voting after midnight and didn’t wrap up until nearly 4 a.m. Wednesday. The panel adopted the plan on an 11-1 vote.

It’s unclear when the full Legislature will take up the spending proposal, which follows approval of a nearly $10 billion essential services budget along party lines in March to prevent a state government shutdown. It’s possible the Maine Senate won’t reconvene until next week, after the Fourth of July holiday.

MAINE HOUSE VOTES TO ENACT BILL THAT EXPANDS ACCESS TO ABORTIONS

The proposal includes startup costs for a paid family leave program that both chambers support, along with additional spending for child care …