Maine: Josh Tardy

AUGUSTA, Maine — Legislative budget writers settled down to business Monday after key Republicans tried to settle a partisan spat over how details of a new $65 million Medicaid shortfall were released by Gov. John Baldacci’s administration.

Rep. Sawin Millett, R-Waterford, and Sen. Richard Rosen, R-Bucksport, ranking Republicans on the Appropriations Committee, absolved the Democratic governor’s budget chief Ryan Low of withholding information about the shortfall. They noted that any delay in disclosing it to lawmakers was at least partially due to legislative scheduling.

Not all Republicans, however, seemed satisfied. Committee member John Robinson of Raymond, said he was “more than a little disturbed” by some of the latest numbers.

Gov. John Baldacci released his $306 million bond package today, a kind of mini state-based stimulus package that he's hoping will get quick, bipartisan support.

"Two weeks ago, President Obama signed the most significant economic recovery law in modern history," Baldacci said in a statement. "But we all know that the recovery package can't address all of Maine's needs. We must do our part to create jobs and strengthen our economy."

The bonds, which require two-thirds support from the Legislature and voter approval, would go to:

•transportation ($128 million)
•energy upgrades and building improvements at higher education institutions ($52 million)
•energy conservation and offshore wind power ($15.

Photos from the legislative inauguration:

Legislators await the proceedings.

Gov. John Baldacci enters the legislative chamber.

Rep. John Robinson (R-Raymond) ran for assistant minority leader in the House against Phil Curtis (R-Madison) and Stacey Fitts (R-Pittsfield), with Curtis prevailing.

Also, Rep. Josh Tardy (R-Newport) ran unopposed for his second term as minority leader. Regrettably we were unable to get video of Fitts or Tardy.