AUGSUTA – Lawmakers have rejected two last-minute proposals from Gov. Paul LePage to boost funding for the state’s nursing homes and efforts to combat drug trafficking.

The Appropriations Committee killed the Republican governor’s proposals late Thursday after he said he’d veto them if they sent him amended bills.

One measure would have funded several new drug enforcement agents, prosecutors and judges for special drug courts.

The other would have boosted Medicaid reimbursements for nursing homes.

Democrats said they were willing to compromise to pass the bills but saw no point in advancing measures that would be vetoed. They criticized LePage for failing to work with them.

LePage said in a statement Friday that lawmakers had failed Maine people and vowed to continue working to find money to support the nursing homes.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.