FORT KENT — A co-chairman of the Legislature’s budget-writing committee says Gov. Paul LePage is trying to overstate the impact of the education tax surcharge approved by voters in November.
Maine Public reported that LePage was challenged during his town hall meeting Monday in Fort Kent, where he appeared to assert that Mainers with annual income of more than $200,000 will have a tax rate over 10 percent.
Maine Public noted that the surcharge applies only to the income over $200,000 but LePage insisted that the 3 percent surcharge applies to the full $200,000.
Democratic Rep. Drew Gattine of Westbrook said LePage misled the audience by overstating the surcharge. The governor’s spokesman, Peter Steele, said the governor understands how the surcharge works and was trying to make the point that it punishes success.
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