4/15/10 - How Much Did the GOP Take Out of Your Pocket?
PORTLAND- Today, 95% of Maine residents would be receiving an income tax cut. However, due to a Republican driven people's veto of legislation passed in the State House and Senate, that won't be the case. "An Act to Implement Tax Relief and Tax Reform" would have provided much needed relief to hard working Mainers, but thanks to special interests lead by the Maine Republican Party, genuine tax relief remains stalled.
The tax reform package not only helps working Mainers but would support small business as well. Dan Tremble, owner of Fairmount Market in Bangor commented, "It's hard to believe that Republicans are working against a measure that would put money directly in the pockets of Mainers. It just doesn't make sense that the party that claims to support lowering taxes is trying to appeal a law that would do exactly that. $50 million more in the pockets of Maine people will be good for my employees and my customers and the entire state of Maine."
Voting NO on Question 1 this June would have a significant impact for Mainers next April 15. It would provide an overall tax cut for nearly 90% of Maine taxpayers, push more money into Maine's economy and provide incentives for small businesses. The landmark legislation represents the most innovative effort in decades and would encourage badly needed business investment and job creation.
"Maine Republican candidates for Governor like to talk about tax cuts, but they are content to stand idly by while their Party opposes substantial income tax reform," said Arden Manning, coordinated campaign manager of Democrats' Victory 2010. If Mainers vote yes on question one to repeal the current law, it means there will be a 30% increase in the income tax rate. "I can't see any reason other than partisanship why the Maine Republican Party and seven of their candidates for Governor would oppose this tax reform package." Manning continued, "It seems to me that the Maine Republican Party has been hijacked by the far right because the majority of Mainers actually support and need income tax cuts."
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