Rep. Nathan Wadsworth (R-Hiram)
Maine people work hard. They pay their taxes. And they deserve a voice in how their money is spent.
But once again, that voice has been shut out.
Democrats in Augusta recently passed a $500 million supplemental budget, signed into law by Governor Janet Mills, after narrowly clearing the Legislature. This budget was crafted behind closed doors—excluding Republican lawmakers and, by extension, nearly half the people of Maine.
That should concern everyone.
Even after years of record-breaking state revenues, Democrats raised taxes on working families last year to cover major MaineCare shortfalls. Now, they are doubling down on the same failed approach.
Today, more than one-third of Maine’s population—over 400,000 people—are enrolled in MaineCare. That’s roughly double the participation rate of neighboring New Hampshire, a state with a similar population.
This trajectory is not sustainable, and it is not fair to the taxpayers footing the bill.
Instead of addressing the underlying problems, the new supplemental budget spends every available dollar—and then goes even further. It violates the intent of Maine law by drawing from the Budget Stabilization Fund, which is meant to be reserved for genuine emergencies or revenue shortfalls.
There is no emergency. There is no shortfall.
Yet the majority has rewritten the rules to justify accessing funds that should remain protected. That’s not responsible budgeting—it’s manipulation.
The pattern continues with tax policy. After increasing the burden on lower-income earners last year, this budget now targets high earners. But those taxpayers are often the most mobile. When they leave, Maine loses not only revenue, but jobs, investment, and long-term economic stability.
At the same time, the state is failing to prioritize core responsibilities. Roads, bridges, farms, and our forest products industry—all critical to Maine’s economy—are being sidelined in favor of unchecked spending.
What are Maine people seeing as a result?
Higher costs. Declining services. And a system that increasingly rewards those who choose not to work over those who do.
Programs designed to protect the most vulnerable are being stretched beyond their intended purpose, placing an even greater burden on taxpayers.
Compounding the problem is the ongoing issue of fraud. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reported that Maine made at least $45.6 million in improper Medicaid payments related to autism services. Under normal circumstances, such findings would prompt immediate corrective action.
Instead, the Legislature adjourned with the issue unresolved, leaving taxpayers exposed to potentially massive repayment obligations to the federal government—possibly totaling tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars.
That is taxpayer money—wasted, mismanaged, and now potentially owed back.
For years, Republicans have proposed practical solutions: greater transparency, stronger accountability, and disciplined fiscal management. We have called for reforms and increased oversight.
Those efforts have been consistently ignored.
With one-party control of state government, Democrats have used their majority to advance a spending agenda that puts taxpayers at risk.
But time is running short.
Federal investigators are paying attention. And so are the people of Maine.
We can—and must—do better. If Maine can get responsible leadership, we will.
As always, if you have questions or concerns about this issue — or any matter involving state government — please do not hesitate to reach out. My office is here to help.
You can contact me at Nathan.Wadsworth@legislature.maine.gov.
It is truly an honor to serve the people of District 82 and the State of Maine.
Sincerely,
Rep. Nathan J. Wadsworth
District 82 — Hiram