January 26

LePage defends budget cuts in weekly radio address

The Associated Press

AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage is defending his proposed two-year budget, including revenue-sharing cuts that have already created a furor among cities and towns.

In his weekly radio address, the governor says he'd like to share more money with towns and cities, but the state simply does not have it. LePage also takes issue with opponents of his plan to temporarily suspend revenue sharing, saying their estimate of $284 million in overall losses is overblown.

The governor asserts that revenue sharing has not been fully funded for years, dating back to his predecessor, Democrat John Baldacci .

LePage acknowledges he doesn't have many popular options when it comes to balancing a budget. But he says times are tough and hard choices need to be made.

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