A large organized rally and strike by child care workers is planned for Tuesday in Augusta in opposition to proposed cuts to a program that subsidizes their salaries.
The cuts proposed by Governor Janet Mills in the next state budget could slash funding to the program – known as the Child Care Salary Supplement Program – by $15 million annually.
The program adds $200-$500 monthly to child care worker salaries based on skill level, which the industry says has stabilized their businesses.
Lawmakers have held a hearing on the cuts and a committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal Wednesday.
The Press Herald reports day care centers in Portland, Gorham, Brunswick, Scarborough, Saco, Cape Elizabeth and Oxford all plan to close for at least part of the day Tuesday for the strike.
The rally and strike is being organized by the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children.
