Maine Budget Shutdown Enters Third Day With Deal On Table

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine's partial government shutdown is entering its third day with state employees and union activists calling for state Republicans to support a budget compromise that could end the stalemate.

The state Legislature failed to enact a budget Friday, causing the shutdown. The Legislature has a chance to vote on a new spending plan Monday after a budget panel reached a late agreement on Sunday.

The new proposal hangs on to an increase in the state's lodging tax, which could make it unpalatable to House Republicans and Republican Gov. Paul LePage. But Democrats and unions say the standoff has gone on too long and it's time to reopen Maine.

Union members held a rally outside the Maine State House on Monday morning to fault the GOP and call for budget passage.