For the first time in 30 years, Maine's budget has decreased in size. Hardest hit are state services for children, education funding and state workers. The budget passed the House 119-26 and the Senate 33-2.

A good summary of the new budget outlook:

No easy choices here. Most agree there will have to be big cuts to important programs as well as tax increases. Turns out the federal stimulus money didn't actually solve all our problems.