AUGUSTA (AP) — Several hundred demonstrators gathered in a show of force as the Maine Legislature launched hearings into Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to cut Medicaid to shore up a projected $221 million budget shortfall.

One of the speakers, Auburn resident Rich Livingston representing AARP, said Wednesday that the governor’s proposed cuts would destroy the “thread-bare safety net that exists for our poorest citizens.”

The LePage administration acknowledged that the cuts are difficult. But LePage said the benefits have outgrown the state’s ability to pay for them. The cuts would end Medicaid coverage for 65,000 Mainers.

Two legislative committees began hearing testimony Wednesday, and the hearings could stretch to the end of the week. Advocating for the needy, Betsy Sweet urged the Republican-controlled Legislature to slow down and “find the balance of care and economy.”