Tag Archives: Taxes
Don’t fall for another referendum that claims to fix Maine schools
If you want to improve education in Maine, don’t vote for a gimmicky referendum that throws more money at the problem.
Maine could use more tax revolts like the one happening in Waterville
If the GOP truly embraces small government, it can win
In Augusta and Washington in recent days, we have seen leaders of what is supposed to be the party of small government fail to fight for that philosophy. Though the debates were on very distinct issues, they both featured at least part of the Republican Party’s leadership defending big government, rather than fiercely fighting to reduce […]
Maine GOP should come together to eliminate the income tax
With the legislative session winding down, it is becoming rapidly apparent that whatever tax changes are finally approved — if any — they will bear little resemblance to Gov. Paul LePage’s initial reform package. That much seems clear. What is less clear, however, is the fate of LePage’s proposal to completely eliminate the state income tax […]
Augusta needs to realize Maine has a spending problem
You would think that, after Gov. Paul LePage secured a re-election win over the Democrats’ best candidate, Bruce Poliquin was elected to Congress, and Republicans regained control of the Maine Senate, legislators in Augusta would hear the message loud and clear from the voters of Maine: that our state has a spending problem, not a […]
Democrats’ tax scheme shows they missed the message
Last November, Maine voters sent a clear, if somewhat mixed message. By re-electing Gov. Paul LePage over Democrat Mike Michaud and giving Republicans control of the Maine Senate, they were endorsing the GOP’s message of fiscal reform and responsibility. By keeping the House in Democratic hands (with a reduced majority), they were telling Augusta politicians […]
A lack of civility threatens Maine’s democratic traditions
Maine has, historically, been known for civility in its political process. This is likely partially because we are a small, rural state with active local governance and a history of access to our politicians, from our local state rep all the way to our U.S. senators. Our congressional delegation is, for the most part, frequently […]
Time for a real budget discussion in Augusta, please
It’s that time of the year again. The snow has stopped falling (at least momentarily), baseball is fast approaching, and winter is melting away. Mud is overtaking the state, reminding us yet again, as it does every year, that at times it can be more slippery than ice — and always dirtier. In Augusta this […]
It’s time to stand up and fight taxnesia
For the past two years, a curious malady seems to have gripped Maine Democrats. It’s most pronounced in legislators who have served since 2010, but it’s spread to new legislators as well, to varying degrees, and even is appearing in regular Mainers. It’s a form of amnesia – or, perhaps, self-hypnosis – that is remarkably […]
Maine needs real tax cuts, not recycled gimmicks
Recently the conversation in the Maine gubernatorial race has returned to a familiar topic: taxes. This had been a major topic all along, of course, with Gov. Paul LePage proposing a referendum on tax reduction as part of his State of the State address. The Democrats, meanwhile, have been running against the bipartisan tax cuts […]
It’s time for some compassion for the taxpayers
This week, as Gov. Paul LePage moved forward with plans to cut off state funding for general assistance for illegal immigrants, there was a massive hue and cry from liberals across the state. Though the focus was initially on the question of whether the governor had the authority to make the move — with a […]
We’ve spurned spending limits, rejected tax increases: With tax votes in Maine, it’s complicated
The moment Gov. Paul LePage mentioned a tax relief initiative in his State of the State address last week, asking the Legislature to allow the people of Maine to vote on it, liberals went on the attack. Knowing little about LePage’s proposal for a referendum asking voters if they want a $100 million tax cut […]