The tax and fee changes that Gov. Janet Mills put forward last week in her budget only add up to about $150 million in a two-year state spending plan that tops $11.6 billion. But new taxes and fees are always controversial,

The proposal in the governor's update to the current budget is intended to rein in ballooning costs in the state's General Assistance program.

The reimbursement rate cutbacks would amount to about a 36% cut in Medicaid payments to some doctors, according to hospital operators.

The spending plan keeps commitments to the governor's core programs while proposing DHHS cuts and an increase in certain taxes.

Health advocates have lauded Gov. Janet Mills' proposal for a tax increase on cigarettes, though some businesses are concerned it could prompt people near the New Hampshire border to make purchases there instead.

After the retirement of Bill Hardwood, Governor Janet Mills nominated Heather Sanborn of Portland to serve as Maine's Public Advocate. Her responsibilities include keeping energy costs affordable and improving the state's energy efficiency.

While Gov. Janet Mills did not propose any broad-based tax increases, such as to the income tax, the Democrat has proposed generating additional revenue through taxes on tobacco, cannabis and video streaming services.

Gov. Janet Mills $11.6 billion two-year spending plan includes a proposed tax increase on cigarettes and other tobacco products. The state tax would rise from $2 to $3 a pack, the first increase in 20 years.

Governor Janet Mills unveiled her new two-year state budget plan Friday, and Maine Republicans are already rising up in opposition.

Maine’s newly established Office of Injury and Violence Prevention has started its work. Jamie Bourque, an infectious disease expert and longtime employee of the Maine CDC, will lead the office as director.

Maine Republicans are pushing back against Governor Janet Mills’ proposed budget and the new taxes needed to fund it.

The plan seeks to guard the governor's core programs while raising revenues through cuts to DHHS and increases in certain taxes.