AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- There may be new roadblocks in the effort to balance the state's medicaid budget.
Democrats on the legislature's Appropriations Committee say they've received letters from the federal agency that manages the medicaid program, saying some of the Governor's proposed cuts would violate federal law.
The letters from the federal center for medicaid services (cms) say three proposed cuts would violate a federal requirement called "maintenance of effort". Earlier this year, the Governor said he had been assured by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services that Maine could get a waiver to allow the cuts.
Democrats in the legislature say the administration should drop those cuts now and develop alternative ways to fill the $220-million budget gap. But Governor Paul LePage went before the committee in person late friday afternoon, and told lawmakers if they pass the cuts he will go to Washington and fight for federal waivers.
The Governor reportedly told committee members,"get it done."
NEWS CENTER