AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Republican Senate and House leaders say they will not back any Maine budget proposal that includes a tax increase on high earners.
The Sun Journal (https://bit.ly/2oNB7ba ) reports the backlash centers on a voter-approved 3 percent increase on income taxes for people earning more than $200,000 annually.
Voters approved the ballot question in November to use the money from increased taxes on local schools.
Both the Senate president and House Republican leader say the tax would give Maine “the dubious distinction of having the highest tax bracket in the nation.”
Democratic Reps. Bettyann Sheats and Jared Golden say legislators are willing to work on a compromise. Sheats says the important thing is ensuring Gov. Paul LePage’s “outrageous cuts” do not pass. The governor has vetoed every budget since taking office.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.