A coalition of progressive groups is urging Maine lawmakers to pass bills raising taxes on millionaires and corporations to fund state services.
Mainers for Tax Fairness includes the Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine People’s Alliance, Maine Service Employees Association SEIU Local 1989 and more than 20 other groups.
One of the bills proposes to add a 2% tax on incomes over $1 million to provide a permanent funding stream for local education. It would generate an estimated $75 million a year.
Another bill would raise the corporate tax rate on profits over $3.5 million by about 1%. That could draw $50 million a year.
The final bill would increase state income taxes on those with high incomes to bring in about $90 million a year.
Supporters of the bills say they will help shore up state revenues following federal cuts to food stamps and Medicaid that will be phased in over several years.