Under the Dome: Inside the Maine State House is a weekly update that provides a high-level overview of recent activity at the Maine State House. If you would like more specific information regarding an item in this newsletter or related to government relations, please contact a member of our Government Relations Practice Group: John Delahanty, Andrea C. Maker, or Avery Day.

This Week's Highlights

• Legislature Approves and Governor Signs Department of Health and Human Services Budget Bill
• Appropriations Committee Holds Public Hearings on Bond Bills
• Member of Governor LePage's Cabinet Resigns
• Maine Democrats to Caucus This Weekend

Legislature Approves and Governor Signs Department of Health and Human Services Budget Bill 

On February 23rd the Senate reconsidered its latest vote on the Department of Health and Human Services supplemental budget, LD 1816. This same bill failed enactment in the Senate last week but garnered enough votes this week due to a bi-partisan deal regarding the effects of this bill on veterans. This bill closes the budget gap at the Department for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2012, and implements $25 million in savings recommended by the streamlining task force, which met over the fall. Governor LePage was presented this budget bill, which he signed, later in the day....

Please see full update below for more information.