AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine teachers are getting their turn to be heard as unionized public workers continue to raise concerns about Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s two-year budget proposal.
The Maine State Employees Association has packed the State House for two days, culminating with a rally by 400 demonstrators on Thursday, as the Appropriations Committee takes up the $6.1 billion budget package. On Friday, the teachers get their turn as they’re encouraged to descend upon the State House.
Unions are taking aim LePage’s proposals to reduce a $4.3 billion unfunded liability in the state pension system.
He proposes to freeze cost-of-living increases for state workers’ and teachers’ pensions, reduce the cap on future increases, raise the retirement age to 65 for newer employees, and increase the amount current employees contribute to the retirement system.