Sen. Bill Diamond of Windham will hold a public forum on the state’s two-year budget proposal Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m. at Windham High School.

Diamond, who is chairman of the Appropriations Committee, which has been holding hearings on the budget for the last three weeks, wants to give local residents a chance to hear about the budget and offer solutions as the state tries to close an $838 million budget gap.

“My hope is that by bringing the budget to the people we might get useful ideas and comments pertaining to the necessary cuts which must be made,” said Diamond. “I realize that most people do not have the time or the ability to get to Augusta to testify before my committee, so this is a way to hear what they have to say.”

The room in which the forum will be held will be announced in the next week, Diamond said.