AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Mainers for Tax Fairness spoke in Augusta Thursday surrounding current tax and revenue legislation.
The group, including some democratic lawmakers, voiced their concern about raising revenue in the state. At the press conference, legislators discussed bills such as a millionaire surcharge, tax bracket restructuring and corporate increases with the goal of generating revenue for the state.
Supporters also mentioned that some cuts in Governor Mills’ proposed biennial budget could hurt Mainers.
“Maine can avoid harmful budget cuts that leave vital workers undervalued and underpaid and make it harder for Mainers to find affordable childcare and healthcare by asking their wealthiest residents to pay their fair share in taxes. While Mainers struggle with soaring costs, wealthy people and multi-national corporations get a free pass, this is just not fair,“ commented Tax Policy Analyst for the Maine Center for Economic Policy Maura Pillsbury.
Opposers say the problem isn’t in the revenue, it’s in the spending.
In a statement provided by House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, he says in part, “Mainers already have the 4th highest tax burden in the country. We need to focus on being fiscally responsible with other people’s money.”
Many of the bills discussed today are now going through the legislative process and public hearings. To learn more about the Mainers for Tax Fairness, click here.
