In The Maine News
- Thread starter maineyankee
- Start date
maineyankee
Active Member
It is a crazy world that we now live in My ... And a lot of it has to do I believe with ourselves. We have become very lax with values. A lot of these that are getting in trouble now a days come from single-parents, who had barely just enough to get by. Therefore, their youths had to take to the streets in obtaining fame, and cash in a lot of cases. This, coupled with the rising number of people that are moving in from other states, and Countries for that matter (Especially in the Portland and Lewiston Area) due to Maine having better welfare and medical opportunities as say the Boston area.
I know that Farmington has taken the hit as of late, but trust me, it is no better elsewhere in the state. It is rampant, and people are yes as you so stated f--ken crazy. I am kind of glad that I am 53 years old and not 19. It def is not the same as when we were that age.
MaineYankee
I know that Farmington has taken the hit as of late, but trust me, it is no better elsewhere in the state. It is rampant, and people are yes as you so stated f--ken crazy. I am kind of glad that I am 53 years old and not 19. It def is not the same as when we were that age.
MaineYankee
cerberus
Well-Known Member
yeah, we will build a prison in maine for non mainers- a flat landers prison as it where.. that sounds believable.. :/
maineyankee
Active Member
and then on the front of it could we have the sign ... "Welcome To Maine ... The Way Life Should Be" ... I am sure that many ( if not all of the Out-of Staters would be Lifers without Parole) would welcome that at Shawshank Prison !!
maineyankee
Active Member
Morning Sentinel
December 7th, 2011
Governor unveils proposal that would drop Medicaid coverage for 65,000 Mainers
By John Richardson [email protected]
Staff Writer
AUGUSTA -- Gov. Paul LePage proposed Tuesday to eliminate Medicaid coverage for 65,000 Mainers as part of a plan to cover a budget deficit that he said now totals $221 million over the next 18 months."I've asked the (legislative) leadership on both sides to please put your differences aside. ... This is crisis time," LePage said.
Democrats quickly criticized the proposal, however, saying the administration has yet to produce verified budget numbers or explain the need for such deep cuts in the state's safety net at a time of high demand for the services.
"What has been proposed are sweeping and devastating cuts," said Rep. Margaret Rotundo, D-Lewiston, a member of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee. The committee is scheduled to hold hearings on the proposal Dec. 14 and 15.
LePage presented his long-awaited supplemental budget for the Department of Health and Human Services to legislative leaders and the media Tuesday.
The budget would save enough money to close a projected $120 million shortfall in the fiscal year that ends June 30 and a projected $101 million shortfall in the next fiscal year, he said.
LePage did not explain in detail why the state has overspent the DHHS budget. He did say that federal revenue was reduced earlier in this fiscal year and that his administration, in its first year, used some cost assumptions from past budgets.
LePage's proposed spending cuts would affect a range of programs in the DHHS, including support for substance abuse treatment, child care, medication for senior citizens and payments to hospitals.
But the governor made it clear that he is not just trying to cover shortfalls in the current two-year budget. He is calling for a structural overhaul of Medicaid.
"This is an effort to fix it once and for all," LePage said.Maine's Medicaid program, called MaineCare, now provides health insurance to 361,315 low-income and disabled residents. That's a 78 percent increase from 2002, and a level of support that Maine cannot afford, he said.
MaineCare is a $2.5 billion-a-year program, although federal funding and other revenue cover most of the cost. MaineCare will cost the state's general fund about $660 million this year.
Every $1 cut from state MaineCare funding would mean a $2 cut in federal funding to the state.
$66 million in savings
LePage said that cutting off about 65,000 people from MaineCare would bring Maine closer to the average state's enrollment. It would save Maine $66 million in the next 18 months, according to the proposal.
Those who would lose coverage include:
* An estimated 19,000 low-income adults who are not disabled.
* An estimated 21,000 parents of children enrolled in MaineCare, who would not meet tighter income guidelines.
* Nondisabled 19- and 20-year-olds.
* Low-income senior citizens who qualify for MaineCare to cover a portion of their Medicare premiums.
Besides restricting access to the program, the proposal calls for saving $80 million in the next 18 months by restricting what services MaineCare covers. LePage wants to eliminate coverage for dental, chiropractic, podiatry, physical therapy and other services and clinics for sexually transmitted diseases.he proposal also would end MaineCare support for private nonmedical institutions. Such institutions include homes for the disabled and people in substance abuse treatment.
Another $36 million in savings would come from MaineCare payment reforms, such as limits on inpatient and outpatient hospital visits, a two-year limit on Suboxone treatment for drug addicts, the elimination of coverage for smoking cessation and reduced coverage of behavioral health services and mental health crisis services.
LePage said the cuts would affect many Mainers, although the administration tried to put most of the burden on healthy adults while protecting services for the elderly and disabled.
"They have not allowed me to print money yet. We have to balance the budget," he said.
Mary Mayhew, commissioner of DHHS, said the cuts are needed to protect the safety net for the most needy. "This is a very difficult day for all of us," she said.
If the cuts are to take effect in April, Mayhew said, the Legislature will have to act by the end of January.
Any delay will make the shortfalls larger, she said. "We are in a financial crisis."
Opponents: analysis needed
Democrats and advocates for Maine's poor called the proposal extreme and potentially devastating to children, the elderly, the disabled and the poor.
They said they have yet to see a complete analysis of the budget deficit and why it has grown so quickly in recent weeks.
"We've been asking for the numbers for quite some time. And we don't have them yet," said Rotundo, the Appropriations Committee member. "I have been concerned right long that the crisis that's been created around DHHS becomes an opportunity to cut programs (LePage) has wanted to cut already."
"We think (any necessary cuts) should be done in a comprehensive way," she said.
Critics said the cuts ultimately will not save money because people will still need health care and other services and someone will have to absorb the costs.
"All of these proposals simply shift the costs to hospitals, providers, communities, families," said Robyn Merrill, policy analyst for Maine Equal Justice Partners.
Opponents also said the cuts would cost jobs and increase poverty.
"The financial stability of a lot of families would be put at risk," said Garrett Martin, executive director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy.
Others support the proposal, saying Maine has been too generous with benefits for too long.
Lance Dutson, executive director of the Maine Heritage Policy Center, said the proposal would be good for the state's economy.
"By addressing the budget shortfall with spending reductions, instead of increased taxes like past administrations have done, Gov. LePage is freeing up Maine's businesses and entrepreneurs to invest more in growing and creating new jobs," Dutson said in a prepared statement. "This will provide needy Mainers with more job opportunities."
Rotundo said LePage's proposed cuts are too deep to achieve at the expense of just one program or agency.
December 7th, 2011
Governor unveils proposal that would drop Medicaid coverage for 65,000 Mainers
By John Richardson [email protected]
Staff Writer
AUGUSTA -- Gov. Paul LePage proposed Tuesday to eliminate Medicaid coverage for 65,000 Mainers as part of a plan to cover a budget deficit that he said now totals $221 million over the next 18 months."I've asked the (legislative) leadership on both sides to please put your differences aside. ... This is crisis time," LePage said.
Democrats quickly criticized the proposal, however, saying the administration has yet to produce verified budget numbers or explain the need for such deep cuts in the state's safety net at a time of high demand for the services.
"What has been proposed are sweeping and devastating cuts," said Rep. Margaret Rotundo, D-Lewiston, a member of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee. The committee is scheduled to hold hearings on the proposal Dec. 14 and 15.
LePage presented his long-awaited supplemental budget for the Department of Health and Human Services to legislative leaders and the media Tuesday.
The budget would save enough money to close a projected $120 million shortfall in the fiscal year that ends June 30 and a projected $101 million shortfall in the next fiscal year, he said.
LePage did not explain in detail why the state has overspent the DHHS budget. He did say that federal revenue was reduced earlier in this fiscal year and that his administration, in its first year, used some cost assumptions from past budgets.
LePage's proposed spending cuts would affect a range of programs in the DHHS, including support for substance abuse treatment, child care, medication for senior citizens and payments to hospitals.
But the governor made it clear that he is not just trying to cover shortfalls in the current two-year budget. He is calling for a structural overhaul of Medicaid.
"This is an effort to fix it once and for all," LePage said.Maine's Medicaid program, called MaineCare, now provides health insurance to 361,315 low-income and disabled residents. That's a 78 percent increase from 2002, and a level of support that Maine cannot afford, he said.
MaineCare is a $2.5 billion-a-year program, although federal funding and other revenue cover most of the cost. MaineCare will cost the state's general fund about $660 million this year.
Every $1 cut from state MaineCare funding would mean a $2 cut in federal funding to the state.
$66 million in savings
LePage said that cutting off about 65,000 people from MaineCare would bring Maine closer to the average state's enrollment. It would save Maine $66 million in the next 18 months, according to the proposal.
Those who would lose coverage include:
* An estimated 19,000 low-income adults who are not disabled.
* An estimated 21,000 parents of children enrolled in MaineCare, who would not meet tighter income guidelines.
* Nondisabled 19- and 20-year-olds.
* Low-income senior citizens who qualify for MaineCare to cover a portion of their Medicare premiums.
Besides restricting access to the program, the proposal calls for saving $80 million in the next 18 months by restricting what services MaineCare covers. LePage wants to eliminate coverage for dental, chiropractic, podiatry, physical therapy and other services and clinics for sexually transmitted diseases.he proposal also would end MaineCare support for private nonmedical institutions. Such institutions include homes for the disabled and people in substance abuse treatment.
Another $36 million in savings would come from MaineCare payment reforms, such as limits on inpatient and outpatient hospital visits, a two-year limit on Suboxone treatment for drug addicts, the elimination of coverage for smoking cessation and reduced coverage of behavioral health services and mental health crisis services.
LePage said the cuts would affect many Mainers, although the administration tried to put most of the burden on healthy adults while protecting services for the elderly and disabled.
"They have not allowed me to print money yet. We have to balance the budget," he said.
Mary Mayhew, commissioner of DHHS, said the cuts are needed to protect the safety net for the most needy. "This is a very difficult day for all of us," she said.
If the cuts are to take effect in April, Mayhew said, the Legislature will have to act by the end of January.
Any delay will make the shortfalls larger, she said. "We are in a financial crisis."
Opponents: analysis needed
Democrats and advocates for Maine's poor called the proposal extreme and potentially devastating to children, the elderly, the disabled and the poor.
They said they have yet to see a complete analysis of the budget deficit and why it has grown so quickly in recent weeks.
"We've been asking for the numbers for quite some time. And we don't have them yet," said Rotundo, the Appropriations Committee member. "I have been concerned right long that the crisis that's been created around DHHS becomes an opportunity to cut programs (LePage) has wanted to cut already."
"We think (any necessary cuts) should be done in a comprehensive way," she said.
Critics said the cuts ultimately will not save money because people will still need health care and other services and someone will have to absorb the costs.
"All of these proposals simply shift the costs to hospitals, providers, communities, families," said Robyn Merrill, policy analyst for Maine Equal Justice Partners.
Opponents also said the cuts would cost jobs and increase poverty.
"The financial stability of a lot of families would be put at risk," said Garrett Martin, executive director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy.
Others support the proposal, saying Maine has been too generous with benefits for too long.
Lance Dutson, executive director of the Maine Heritage Policy Center, said the proposal would be good for the state's economy.
"By addressing the budget shortfall with spending reductions, instead of increased taxes like past administrations have done, Gov. LePage is freeing up Maine's businesses and entrepreneurs to invest more in growing and creating new jobs," Dutson said in a prepared statement. "This will provide needy Mainers with more job opportunities."
Rotundo said LePage's proposed cuts are too deep to achieve at the expense of just one program or agency.
maineyankee
Active Member
I have to agree somewhat here with "The Gov", as to the many who take the system for a ride. That has become the "American Way" as of late. Many a times I have had to go to the ER, and see Little Baby Susie who had a 15 minute fever. I have seen the 19 and 20 year old's who have the sniffles "That just started an hour ago". But the cuts that our beloved Governor wants to do to the ones that def need it, I am strongly opposed to this cut. There must be some middle-ground that we can agree on, without just emptying out the basket to see what is spoiled.
I kindly ask that you do what you can, so that those in need will not go without.
MaineYankee
I kindly ask that you do what you can, so that those in need will not go without.
MaineYankee
Bluejeans
Well-Known Member
Reminds me of 20+ years ago when I was in Tennessee. Hubby was in Desert Storm and the army messed up his pay so I got nothing for like 6 months. So I took my infant son and applied for food stamps, which I got. After about 6 months, the army got their mess straightened out and I started getting hubby's money.
So I didn't need food stamps any more. I called DHS to inform them of my change in status. They said I had to fill out some forms, which they would send me. A month later, I got new food stamps, but no forms. So I went to the office and filled them out there. I had to fill out a huge handfull of paper work to STOP getting food stamps. And it still took me 3 months to convince them that I no longer needed nor wanted food stamps.
The government is broken in more ways than one. Waste and abuse come from complacence and just plain not caring about your job. I see LePage's budget cut proposal as a huge mistake that will hurt more people than it will help. I agree that we need to clean up the budget, but targeting generic groups and saying that these people just no longer qualify is wrong. It will take replacing DHHS workers with more people who care about doing a job well rather than doing the minimum before the government is going to see any real savings. That $66 million will be quickly absorbed in some other ludicrous and wasteful venture until we fix the root of the problem..lacksidaisical attitudes and poor work ethics. I've dealt with DHHS for years due to taking in a foster teen who then got pregnant. Those are some of the rudest, most careless and mindless people ever employed.
You want to save money within DHHS? Fire all the useless case workers and hire some solid skills. From what I've seen, I could do the work of any three DHHS workers I've had the pleasure of speaking with.
maineyankee
Active Member
I hear ya loud and clear BlueJeans. Case in point; My daughter had to file for unemployment. The following day my mailbox was full of (13) envelopes from the Dept of Unemployment. Each letter was exactly the same. Why send 13 and not just one? How many times does that happen times the number of unemployed. Sure that would be a saving idea, but heck ... It's not our money, it's the taxpayers !!
Case in point; My daughter had to file for unemployment. The following day my mailbox was full of (13) envelopes from the Dept of Unemployment. Each letter was exactly the same. Why send 13 and not just one? How many times does that happen times the number of unemployed. Sure that would be a saving idea, but heck ... It's not our money, it's the taxpayers !!
Maine Brookies
Active Member
Yank - that sounds like a computer error more than anything.
The governor's plan simply shifts the costs of caring for the people who lose medicare from the public to the private sector. Problem is, this costs everyone more than if they'd stayed on MaineCare. People with no health insurance don't get preventative treatment, they wait until a problem is unbearable to seek treatment at which point the cost of treatment is maximized. Since hospitals have to treat life threatening conditions regardless of the patient's ability to pay, the only way they can cover the cost of treating those without coverage is to increase costs for those who are covered.
Long story short - if you want to pay more for your health care then you should support the Guv'nor.
The governor's plan simply shifts the costs of caring for the people who lose medicare from the public to the private sector. Problem is, this costs everyone more than if they'd stayed on MaineCare. People with no health insurance don't get preventative treatment, they wait until a problem is unbearable to seek treatment at which point the cost of treatment is maximized. Since hospitals have to treat life threatening conditions regardless of the patient's ability to pay, the only way they can cover the cost of treating those without coverage is to increase costs for those who are covered.
Long story short - if you want to pay more for your health care then you should support the Guv'nor.
Bluejeans
Well-Known Member
Sadly, I've had that experience as well when my hubby filed for unemployment a few years ago. I was appalled at the sheer volume of letters they send out that are identical!I hear ya loud and clear BlueJeans.
maineyankee
Active Member
The governor's plan simply shifts the costs of caring for the people who lose medicare from the public to the private sector. Problem is, this costs everyone more than if they'd stayed on MaineCare. People with no health insurance don't get preventative treatment, they wait until a problem is unbearable to seek treatment at which point the cost of treatment is maximized. Since hospitals have to treat life threatening conditions regardless of the patient's ability to pay, the only way they can cover the cost of treating those without coverage is to increase costs for those who are covered.
Sorry to disagree (first time for everything I guess) but it was not a computer error. It was because she was applying for 13 weeks of back unemployment, and only at the onset of a good talk with me that she apply.
Since April of 2008 when I had my first heart attack, I have been on both Medicare as well as MaineCare (Quimby Only). This was only because, and here I am guessing, that the hospital that treated me called a company located in Manchester, Maine (The name eludes me at the moment). They were the ones that stated since I had a heart attack, as well as an ongoing urology problem, that I NEEDED to sign up with the State and begin this Quimby Program. I can only imagine that this was caused by my not having medical insurance at the time, and that the hospital need to get paid somewhat. After about 6 months after, I received from that company in Manchester, that all but 13K was paid by both Medicare and Mainecare (80% and 20% respectively). To this day, I need MaineCare for my 21 Illnesses, and 18 different Pharma Meds. There is no way on Earth that I can afford to pay anything.
"One Cannot Get Poop By Rubbing Two Buffalo Nickles Together, No Matter How Hard One Rubs"
MaineYankee
maineyankee
Active Member
December 7th, 2011
WGME - TV News
Police: Maine Man Arrested Trucking 185 Pounds Of Pot
Troopers Found Marijuana Hidden In Speakers
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Indiana State Police arrested Joseph Ground, of Hollis, on Tuesday when they say he was transporting a large quantity of marijuana from California to Maine. Ground was pulled over for a traffic violation and a state trooper said he detected the odor of marijuana.
State troopers found 185 pounds of marijuana hidden in speakers and music equipment. The estimated value of the marijuana is $900,000.
Ground is charged with drug possession and trafficking.
WGME - TV News
Police: Maine Man Arrested Trucking 185 Pounds Of Pot
Troopers Found Marijuana Hidden In Speakers
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Indiana State Police arrested Joseph Ground, of Hollis, on Tuesday when they say he was transporting a large quantity of marijuana from California to Maine. Ground was pulled over for a traffic violation and a state trooper said he detected the odor of marijuana.
State troopers found 185 pounds of marijuana hidden in speakers and music equipment. The estimated value of the marijuana is $900,000.
Ground is charged with drug possession and trafficking.
maineyankee
Active Member
Ground was pulled over for a traffic violation and a state trooper said he detected the odor of marijuana.
I guess in this case, they didn't need to get the K-9 Unit.
I also wonder if he was on his way to Harborside in Oakland, CA
Seriously tho ... How could this guy get gas? Surly it had to smell at the many gas stations that he would have to hit between here and there. And then watching the film last night, it was all in the back of his truck, encased in speakers that were not even boxed up. I would think one would want to try to be more stealthy than this "Ground Hog"
Happy Holiday Trails !!
MaineYankee
I guess in this case, they didn't need to get the K-9 Unit.
I also wonder if he was on his way to Harborside in Oakland, CA Seriously tho ... How could this guy get gas? Surly it had to smell at the many gas stations that he would have to hit between here and there. And then watching the film last night, it was all in the back of his truck, encased in speakers that were not even boxed up. I would think one would want to try to be more stealthy than this "Ground Hog"
Happy Holiday Trails !!
MaineYankee
Bluejeans
Well-Known Member
He forgot the number one rule...no matter who you are and what you're doing...Ground was pulled over for a traffic violation and a state trooper said he detected the odor of marijuana.
I guess in this case, they didn't need to get the K-9 Unit.
Seriously tho ... How could this guy get gas? Surly it had to smell at the many gas stations that he would have to hit between here and there. And then watching the film last night, it was all in the back of his truck, encased in speakers that were not even boxed up. I would think one would want to try to be more stealthy than this "Ground Hog"
Happy Holiday Trails !!
MaineYankee
ONLY BREAK ONE LAW AT A TIME. If you're toting weed you ought not have, then don't violate any other laws. If you speed, don't carry weed. Plain and simple. Never let fracture of one law lead to conviction for other things too. Keep it simple.
tet1953
Well-Known Member
I got an mmj card. Does that mean I can speed?
maineyankee
Active Member
December 8, 2011
Lewiston Sun Journal
Mary Mayhew: DHHS faces major structural changes
Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services is facing a significant budget shortfall once again. But this time, there is a new administration in place that will not shy away from making the structural changes that must be made to put the department on sound financial ground while protecting Maine’s most vulnerable citizens.
It cannot happen overnight, but we must begin now.
During the past eight fiscal years, the previous administration pursued a path which required multiple budget adjustments. From fiscal years 2005 to 2009, for example, DHHS’ shortfall alone totaled more than $466 million.
It was clear that instead of tackling the problems before they became reality, budgets moved forward with the internal knowledge that it wouldn’t be in balance for long. They would create a budget, get it passed, then submit a supplemental request — but they never addressed the structural funding problems.
Over 10 years, total spending in Medicaid has increased more than $1 billion and total enrollment has increased by 42 percent.During the past three years, the money used to fill in the gaping budget hole was from one-time, federal stimulus funds. This allowed the department to sustain its expenditures, despite structural funding problems, and make it appear that everything was in balance.
Not addressing the evident structural shortfall further extended the problem — bolstering a Medicaid program that, for years, had lived beyond its means and grown out of control.
Maine’s Medicaid program simply cannot be all things to all people. The financial burden to this state and to working families in the form of increased taxes is too great and is unsustainable. We must define our priorities and redefine Maine’s Medicaid program as a true safety net program.
The shortfall we recently shared with the Legislature did not come to light until the pattern of spending started under the previous administration came into focus. The first quarter of the fiscal year merely exposed the crumbling foundation that the current budget was built upon — a foundation that was weakened by decades of financial mismanagement and the lack of political will to make structural changes.
The same financial reality that confronts our nation is confronting this state. Unlike the federal government, we cannot increase our borrowing — we must balance our budget and pay our bills.
We have a higher percentage of Maine’s population enrolled in Medicaid than the national average. We spend more per person on Medicaid enrollees than the national average. We have increased our Medicaid spending at a higher percentage than the national average.
It is not sustainable.Hard-working families and individuals are shouldering this burden. We must return our Medicaid program to at least the average national standard.
The DHHS and the LePage administration will take the steps necessary to balance this budget. We will have a state government that lives within its means, while meeting the needs of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens. Here’s how:
At Gov. LePage’s direction, the DHHS is undertaking a thorough analysis of its $2.4 billion budget — beginning from zero, rather than using the previous years’ baseline as a starting point. We are working to ensure that every taxpayer dollar spent is spent wisely.
We will build our future budgets from zero, looking at the services we are obliged to provide and, from there, rescaling and redefining a safety net that Maine can afford.
Doing this analysis and going through a quarter of financial spending exposed the shortfall we made public recently.
As the commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, I am committed to being held fiscally accountable. Though the politics of announcing an additional $50 million in deficit soon after the initial $70 million shortfall was revealed was certain to bring criticisms from the Legislature, the public and the press, I believe it was my responsibility to share it as quickly as possible.
What is clear, as we move forward in these bleak economic times, is that we must discontinue the practice of "balancing" the budget with staggering supplemental requests, one-time money, furlough days and other gimmicks.We must move past decades of deception, muster up real political will and make necessary, difficult and permanent structural changes to live within our budgetary means.
It is a tall task and one that can only be accomplished with an acceptance of the current economic landscape and a willingness to prioritize services.
We must set partisanship aside and work together toward a sensible solution for all Mainers.
Mary Mayhew is commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Lewiston Sun Journal
Mary Mayhew: DHHS faces major structural changes
Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services is facing a significant budget shortfall once again. But this time, there is a new administration in place that will not shy away from making the structural changes that must be made to put the department on sound financial ground while protecting Maine’s most vulnerable citizens.
It cannot happen overnight, but we must begin now.
During the past eight fiscal years, the previous administration pursued a path which required multiple budget adjustments. From fiscal years 2005 to 2009, for example, DHHS’ shortfall alone totaled more than $466 million.
It was clear that instead of tackling the problems before they became reality, budgets moved forward with the internal knowledge that it wouldn’t be in balance for long. They would create a budget, get it passed, then submit a supplemental request — but they never addressed the structural funding problems.
Over 10 years, total spending in Medicaid has increased more than $1 billion and total enrollment has increased by 42 percent.During the past three years, the money used to fill in the gaping budget hole was from one-time, federal stimulus funds. This allowed the department to sustain its expenditures, despite structural funding problems, and make it appear that everything was in balance.
Not addressing the evident structural shortfall further extended the problem — bolstering a Medicaid program that, for years, had lived beyond its means and grown out of control.
Maine’s Medicaid program simply cannot be all things to all people. The financial burden to this state and to working families in the form of increased taxes is too great and is unsustainable. We must define our priorities and redefine Maine’s Medicaid program as a true safety net program.
The shortfall we recently shared with the Legislature did not come to light until the pattern of spending started under the previous administration came into focus. The first quarter of the fiscal year merely exposed the crumbling foundation that the current budget was built upon — a foundation that was weakened by decades of financial mismanagement and the lack of political will to make structural changes.
The same financial reality that confronts our nation is confronting this state. Unlike the federal government, we cannot increase our borrowing — we must balance our budget and pay our bills.
We have a higher percentage of Maine’s population enrolled in Medicaid than the national average. We spend more per person on Medicaid enrollees than the national average. We have increased our Medicaid spending at a higher percentage than the national average.
It is not sustainable.Hard-working families and individuals are shouldering this burden. We must return our Medicaid program to at least the average national standard.
The DHHS and the LePage administration will take the steps necessary to balance this budget. We will have a state government that lives within its means, while meeting the needs of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens. Here’s how:
At Gov. LePage’s direction, the DHHS is undertaking a thorough analysis of its $2.4 billion budget — beginning from zero, rather than using the previous years’ baseline as a starting point. We are working to ensure that every taxpayer dollar spent is spent wisely.
We will build our future budgets from zero, looking at the services we are obliged to provide and, from there, rescaling and redefining a safety net that Maine can afford.
Doing this analysis and going through a quarter of financial spending exposed the shortfall we made public recently.
As the commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, I am committed to being held fiscally accountable. Though the politics of announcing an additional $50 million in deficit soon after the initial $70 million shortfall was revealed was certain to bring criticisms from the Legislature, the public and the press, I believe it was my responsibility to share it as quickly as possible.
What is clear, as we move forward in these bleak economic times, is that we must discontinue the practice of "balancing" the budget with staggering supplemental requests, one-time money, furlough days and other gimmicks.We must move past decades of deception, muster up real political will and make necessary, difficult and permanent structural changes to live within our budgetary means.
It is a tall task and one that can only be accomplished with an acceptance of the current economic landscape and a willingness to prioritize services.
We must set partisanship aside and work together toward a sensible solution for all Mainers.
Mary Mayhew is commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Bluejeans
Well-Known Member
Damn I wanna help. I've been responsible for creating (and living with) multi-million dollar budgets for years. And so many corporate executive types don't know how to effectively trim a budget. They always look to trim common things like the major expense buckets. That's not where the savings lie. Until they learn to prune from the top rather than the bottom, the budget will always be out of balance. Unfortunately, the ones trimming the budget, live in the top branches and are not willing to prune there...so that look to the bottom and trim trim the roots. Now that's just silly... As growers, we know that you dont' cut the roots to improve the yield of your plant, you top it.