AUGUSTA — A little-known piece of a $140 million budget-balancing package that a legislative committee endorsed unanimously early Wednesday morning drew fire later in the day from Gov. Paul LePage and the Maine Heritage Policy Center.

The $140 million budget, which would close an immediate shortfall at DHHS, was passed unanimously by Democrats and Republicans on the Appropriations Committee.

The committee backs cutting in half a program the governor wanted eliminated.

AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to drop about 14,000 low-income parents from Medicaid health insurance is the latest sticking point in state budget negotiations.

AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to drop about 14,000 low-income parents from Medicaid health insurance is the latest sticking point in state budget negotiations.

AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Monday that he will veto any budget proposal that would not eliminate health insurance fully for childless adults who are now in Maine’s Medicaid program.

AUGUSTA — With 10 open seats in the Senate and a close margin in the House, Maine Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for a big election year.

AUGUSTA — With 10 open seats in the Senate and a close margin in the House, Maine Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for a big election year.