Lawmakers debate new version of tax cap
By FRANCIS X. QUINN, The Associated Press April 17, 2009
AUGUSTA — For the second time in three years, Maine lawmakers and residents are debating a citizen initiative that would let voters approve or reject tax increases.
The initiative would also require voter approval for state spending to exceed the rates of inflation and population growth and for property taxes to grow faster than personal income.
"It should be a right. Period," Sen. Douglas Smith, R-Dover-Foxcroft, said at a taxation committee hearing Thursday.
The Legislature could vote to make the initiative law but is expected to send it on to voters in November instead.
Gov. John Baldacci did not send a representative to the hearing. But in an interview with The Associated Press, he said he opposes the new measure for the same reasons he opposed a broader proposal in 2006.
"Too extreme," Baldacci said.
The governor noted that spending caps currently exist on state, county and local governments, and the state budget is already smaller than last year's and will be pared back even further.
To read more, please visit:
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=251332&ac=PHnws
*also check out the link to TABOR Now -found in the links section. This is a topic we should all educate ourselves about so we can share factual information with our friends and neighbors-Traci G(mainepatriot)*
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
""Too extreme," Baldacci said."
ReplyDeleteSo Mainers having a say in how their money is spent is too extreme?
I believe they have a TABOR in Colorado and it works real well for them. Of course if you are of a tax and spend mindset I guess it would appear to be too extreme...but I do not think balancing a budget, capping spending, and giving the people who foot the bill a little say is extreme at all! Next we will see the signs out scaring people about services like fire departments and schools closing if TABOR passes..which would not happen. Letters to the editor in regards to TABOR is a good way to get out factual info BEFORE the signs go up.
ReplyDelete