Appropriations table: Demand far exceeds available funds

There are a lot of hands reaching out for the small amount of cash the state has left.

Friday the Appropriations Committee will take up the bills on the Special Appropriations Table – bills the Legislature passed but need to be funded.

There are about 40 bills on the table, adding up to approximately $4 million for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 and $7.4 million for Fiscal Year 2009-2010. There are many, many more bills pending, which could also be placed on the table.

The Committee has about $1.5 million to work with, staff said Thursday.

The numbers change every day.

According to the list updated on Thursday, there are about 10 bills that deal with crime – changing and enhancing sentencing. Most deal with sex offenses and driving under the influence.

Some of the biggest requests are:

-An act to increase reimbursement for jury duty, $364,833 in 2008 and $398,000 in 2009

-An act to eliminate the property tax on business equipment owned by small retailers, $2,634,620 in 2009

-An act to improve the competitiveness of Maine’s boat building industry, $309,327 in 2008 and $318,270 in 2009

-An act to amend the laws governing the taxation of partnerships, $1,042,960 in 2008 and $779,784 in 2009

-An act to enhance economic development in Maine’s aviation industry, $451,724 in 2008 and $469,298 in 2009

-An act to extend the ConnectME Authority, $474,000 in 2009.