AUGUSTA, Maine — It’s two down and 18 to go for Maine state workers coming off a three-day weekend that included an unpaid day on Friday.
A total of 20 shutdown days aimed at saving $14 million were included in the budget approved by Gov. John Baldacci and the Legislature.
The Maine State Employees Association organized small-scale demonstrations in Bangor, Augusta, Lewiston and Portland on Friday to show their disdain.
The $5.8 billion general fund budget also freezes merit and longevity pay, and requires state workers to begin contributing toward their health insurance.