OPEGA cuts cause divisiveness in budget debate

The House approved the Democratic version of the state budget 82 to 63 Wednesday evening. There are about 50 amendments being printed which will be taken up Thursday.

Most of the $190 million budget was agreed to by both parties – but there are a few disagreements that have caused a bitter divide between the Democrats and the Republicans. This includes changes to MaineCare and cuts to the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability.

The House goes back in session at 9 a.m. Thursday, and it’s expected to be a long night.

Wednesday evening the House Republicans sent out a press release defending OPEGA. Republican leader Josh Tardy of Newport noted that the Republicans were united in their opposition to the budget, along with five Democrats and two independents.

“Today’s vote sends a message that even a number of Democrats are uncomfortable with this budget,” Tardy said in the release. “They, too, understand that this budget is filled with gimmicks, one-time money grabs and a provision that boils down to a tax increase on Maine businesses. But perhaps the major reason for Democratic opposition to their party’s own budget was the elimination of OPEGA – a state watchdog agency that roots out waste, fraud and mismanagement.”

Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, reminded people last week that the Democratic budget did not seek to eliminate OPEGA, rather to join it with the Office of Fiscal and Policy Review. OFPR advises the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.