Storm relief and funding for programs related to Maine’s deadliest-ever shooting included in budget

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Monday signed a $127.4 million budget adjustment that includes funding for recovery from storm damage and for several programs sought by the governor after the deadliest shooting in state history.

Mills said she signed the bill even though she remains concerned about flat revenues in the coming year.

“While we will need to keep a close eye on the budget next year in light of flattening revenues, this budget takes important steps forward to address our state’s most pressing problems,” she said Monday.

The governor also signed into law a bill expanding the authority of federally recognized tribes in Maine to prosecute crimes that occur on tribal lands. It also allows the Penobscot Nation to regulate drinking water on its tribal lands. The law provided greater autonomy to the Wabanaki tribes in Maine but stopped short of full sovereignty that they’ve sought.

The supplemental budget, meanwhile, included $60 million to help communities pounded by severe storms, $21 million for an emergency housing fund and $30 million to build additional housing in the state, among other provisions.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«READ MORE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> READ MORE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Youth group, environmental organizations sue Maine for action on climate </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Marijuana grow busted in Maine as feds investigate trend in 20 states </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Two shootings, two different