AUGUSTA (AP) – State department heads are proposing cuts to hundreds of jobs and programs in response to Gov. John Baldacci’s call for a 10 percent reduction in their proposed spending.

Baldacci’s order comes as the state faces at least a $500 million gap in the two-year budget that takes effect July 1. The current budget is $6.3 billion.

Proposals up for discussion include elimination of tax relief programs and cuts in such positions as police officers, court personnel and lifeguards. The Department of Education has proposed a freeze in the level of state funding to local schools.


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