People travel to Maine from around the world to enjoy our awe-inspiring natural landscape, kept pristine and accessible in large part by the people of Maine. Visitors appreciate our historic buildings, local agriculture and walkable downtowns. All these things come at a price.

I believe changing state law to allow municipalities to levy additional taxes on meals and lodging will help alleviate the burden of already-struggling Maine people. Cities and towns need additional support to sustain the quality of place visitors travel to Maine to enjoy.

Part of Maine’s desirability is linked to our high-quality schools. Year-round life in Maine is possible in part because of our excellent public school system. People of modest means – artists, chefs, farmers and hospitality workers – can send children to top-notch schools anywhere in our state. I believe it’s time to allow local governments to access additional revenues to support our schools without asking for more from Maine families.

With so many of our young people now living in poverty, schools provide a host of additional services, from regular meals to trauma counseling. It’s time for Maine legislators to allow local governments to decide how best to fund education without simply relying on property taxes.

Like all but four other states, Maine should permit municipalities to ask those who visit to pay their fair share in sustaining this place we call home. In Portland, where I live, an additional 1 percent tax on meals and lodging would help make needed transformations in our school community and end our annual school budget crisis.

Jean Rank

Portland

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