The Legislature's Appropriations Committee has rejected or reduced some of the most controversial proposed cuts in health and human services -- from homemaker help for elderly living on their own to domestic violence programs - leaving a big hole in the state budget.

Following a series of heart-rending public hearings and an impressive rally that drew the largest crowd in people's memory to the Statehouse last week, both Democrats and Republicans said some of the $93 million cuts in health and human services proposed by Gov. John Baldacci went too far.

The public hearing process is structured to allow legislators to "listen to the people," said House Speaker Glenn Cummings, and what they heard is certain programs need to be preserved.

The Health and Human Services Committee unanimously recommended to Appropriations Committee that more than $32 million of those cuts be reversed and were tied on another $16 million.

While the Appropriations Committee is still working through the budget, proposed cuts that have been rejected so far include $702,000 in homemaker services for elderly living on their own and another $703,000 for independent living pilot projects for low-income, frail elderly in subsidized apartments in Westbrook's Larrabee Village and smaller homes in Brunswick, Rockland, Mount Desert and in Aroostook County.

Also spared were all but $642,000 out of a proposed $3 million cut in funding for child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence programs and $20,000 for Special Olympics.

While that cut was recommended by the Health and Human Services Committee, it was taken out of the budget on a motion made by Sen. John Martin, D-Aroostook County, who serves on the Appropriations Committee.

"I don't want to read the Legislature refuses to put money in for Special Olympics," Martin said. "It has to do with merit, but it also has to do with public perception."

Another controversial cut that has been amended was the governor's proposal to eliminate drug coverage for adults earning at or below the federal poverty level who get medical care under a special Medicaid program.

While many of the top drugs provided under the $7 million benefit were for mental health and substance abuse problems, more than $1 million was being spent on Prevacid, an acid reflux drug that raised eyebrows during the committee review.

"Is there a generic available?" asked Rep. Jane Mills, D-Farm-ington.

A compromise was reached where $3.5 million was left in the program for pharmacy coverage and a plan will be drawn up to require use of generics where possible.

Still being debated is whether enrollment in the Medicaid program for low-income adults should be capped - a proposal that's worth more than $8 million.

In another area that raised public outcry, the committee agreed to amend the governor's plan that cut reimbursement to families, who adopt or serve as foster parents, limiting the fee reduction to about 12.5 percent overall.

Also preserved was $150,000 for the Hancock County Drug Court.

The Appropriations Committee was schedule to continue its work throughout most of the week.