Representative Bruce MacDonald, D-Boothbay, is inviting his constituents to a public forum to discuss the state budget shortfall. The meeting will be held at the Boothbay Harbor Town Office at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Other state legislators and community leaders have been invited to attend, help answer questions and share ideas or concerns.

MacDonald wants to update the community about the budget shortfall and hear what local priorities and concerns he should voice in the debate in Augusta.

Governor John Baldacci has proposed drastic cuts to social services and education to make up almost $200 million in reduced revenue to the state. Baldacci has stated his preference for not raising any new broad-based taxes or using the Rainy Day Fund to help offset these cuts. Over 1,000 people came to Augusta on Wednesday, March 12 to protest cuts to foster care, community mental health services and services to help seniors remain in their homes. The governor has also proposed merging the Marine Resources, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Agriculture departments in order to reduce inefficiency and save money. Numerous commercial fishermen, hunters, farmers and loggers have opposed this idea. This proposal is in addition to the school district consolidation and prison consolidation proposals offered by the governor.

Come to learn more and to offer your solutions or ideas to Rep. MacDonald. For more information, contact him at 633-0570 or bmacdon@roadrunner.com .