Some lawmakers say the proposed cuts are shortsighted, but others say they're likely to be necessary to bring state spending in line with shrinking revenues.

In this tough economy, some lawmakers say it's the wrong time to cut the state budget for economic development. Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development is targeted for $900,000 in cuts over the two-year budget cycle, and some members of the Legislature's Business, Research and Economic Development Commmittee say they're worried that the cuts go too deep.

Economic Development Commissioner John Richardson defended his agency's budget saying its efforts have paid off for the state. "If I just went around the map of Maine mentally, economic development has made a real difference," Richardson told committee members, citing a variety of businesses his department has helped attract or retain.

But some lawmakers on the panel say with revenues continuing to fail to meet projections, even larger budget cuts will be needed to balance the state books, and even good and effective programs will have to be cut, according to Capitol News Service.  Richardson urged the committee to plan for the future after the recession has ended in Maine.