AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine lawmakers have failed to override Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill changing the funding formula for youth homeless shelters.
The Democratic-led Senate voted 20-14 in favor of overturning the Republican governor’s veto on Wednesday, falling short of the two-thirds support necessary.
The measure seeks to ensure that the funds for youth homeless shelters that close stay in that region to support other available shelters.
The bill’s sponsor Democratic Sen. Margaret Craven of Lewiston says that “just because a shelter closes, we cannot close our eyes and ignore the ongoing need that exists for Maine youth.”
In his veto letter, LePage said that funding for homeless youth shelters is adequate. He said the change could prevent the state from providing money to shelters where the need is the greatest.
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