Will Maine always be a high-tax state? Legislators must ask themselves this when voting on a budget bill this week. It was asked this in 2005, when Gov. Mills and Senate President Troy Jackson (both then state representatives) and Margaret Rotundo (then Senate appropriations chair) voted to limit spending growth. Having served on budget committees at the municipal, school and state levels, I know firsthand the vital need for an external limit on spending. The demand for more spending never ends.
The current spending limit is $9.9 billion, enough money to fund the government without cuts. It fully honors the obligation to MaineCare, education and municipalities. However, the governor’s proposed budget was $10.5 billion (including the $200 million transfer to the Highway Fund), when there should be $600 million in tax cuts.
There is obvious intent to increase spending beyond the limit. Republicans have been incredibly accommodating in budget negotiations. We merely asked that $200 million of any revenue above the $10.5 billion be dedicated to a small tax cut for the lowest bracket, and were flatly denied.
At one point, Democrats agreed with Republicans that reducing taxes should be a priority. It’s disheartening to see that commitment die just as we finally have the resources to do so. There has never been a better time to reduce Maine’s tax burden without making any budget cuts. If we don’t do so now, we never will unless there are big changes in leadership in the State House.
Rep. Amy B. Arata
assistant House Republican leader
New Gloucester
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