STATE BUDGET

Maine enacts budgets on a two-year cycle, beginning July 1 of each odd-numbered year. The State agencies submit their budget requests by September 1.  The governor submits their proposed budget to the state legislature in January. This deadline is extended to February for a newly elected governor. The legislature adopts a budget by 30 days prior to its adjournment.

STATE LEGISALATURE

The Senate currently has 35 members, though under the Maine Constitution there may be 31, 33, or 35.  The House of Representatives consists of 151 members, but also has three non-voting Representatives for local American Indian nations, the only state legislative body with special seats for American Indians.  Both Senators and Representatives serve two-year terms, and members have a term limit of four two-year terms. Members are re-eligible after two years.  The first regular session convenes on the first Wednesday in December after the general election with an adjournment date of the 3^rd Wednesday in June.  The Second session begins on the first Wednesday after the first Tuesday of January in the subsequent even numbered year, with an adjournment day of the 3^rd Wednesday in April.  There can be two 5 day extensions to the session if needed.  Bills do carry over from odd numbered years to even ones.

KEY RESOURCES

• Maine State Legislature
• Maine Office of the Attorney General
• Maine Health Data Organization
• Maine Governor
• Information on Healthcare Policy in Maine