AUGUSTA – Angus King’s proposed budget would reduce Maine’s commitment to child care and prescription drug subsidies, and doesn’t earmark enough money for new domestic violence initiatives, critics say.

King’s two-year budget would cut $3.9 million in child care spending and $2 million for prescription drug programs from the so-called Fund for a Healthy Maine, a legislative account that helps pay for state health programs.

The budget also calls for cutting $2.2 million in grants to fight smoking and promote a healthy lifestyle; $2.5 million in anti-smoking funds; $2.1 million for home visits to help the parents of newborns and $330,000 for dental clinics.

King said the cuts will help keep the cash-strapped Medicaid program in the black by transferring money from the Fund for a Healthy Maine to Medicaid, which provides health insurance for the poor.

The proposed budget cuts do have some supporters, such as Kevin Concannon, Human Services Commissioner.

“I’d prefer to make the cuts in these program areas than cutting services for Medicaid,” he said.

But some critics say King should find revenues from other sources.

“In my mind, our priorities are children and seniors and their health care,” said House Speaker Michael Saxl, D-Portland.