As Economy Crumbles, Maine Government Responds with Ban on the Word Squa

Almost like there was nothing better to spend their time on, the Maine Legislature and Governor further restrict the word 'Squa':

This month, Maine lawmakers amended the law to ban public place names that include "the designation 'squa' or any derivation of 'squa' as a separate word or as a separate syllable in a word." [Full Story]

Baldacci Extends Welfare by Making Earned Income Tax Credit Refundable.

The Governor signed a new tax bill that, among other things, makes the Earned Income Credit refundable. Refundable tax credits are one way governments extend social programs in a secretive way.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Seeking to avoid a potential veto by Gov. John Baldacci, lawmakers approved last-minute changes to a tax restructuring bill that aims to reduce income taxes for Maine residents while broadening the sales tax.

Baldacci formally proposed the changes Thursday afternoon after allowing a similar tax overhaul measure passed by the Legislature to linger on his desk for nearly a week. [Full Story]

Maine Legislature Concentrates on Gay Marriage, not economy

What is the Maine Legislature most concerned about these days? Mainers losing their jobs, High Taxes, the lack of affordable health insurance? No, apparently it's Gay Marriage [More]

Maine House, Senate get raises

AUGUSTA, Maine — Despite hard economic times that threaten deep cuts in state programs and services, Maine legislators are getting cost-of-living pay increases for their work this year. More

DHHS Faced with Curtailment of Lavish Welfare Benefits

In an effort to bring Maine's projected budget deficit under control, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may be forced to cut..

...social services, podiatry, optometry, physical therapy and psychological services as some of the services eliminated under the proposal for those over age 21 with income between 100 percent and 150 percent of the federal poverty level, childless adults and some people with disabilities. [Read More]

These are all things the average working Mainer can't afford anyway. Call me crazy, but the best MaineCare benefits should not exceed the benefits of the worst health care plan of those struggling to pay their own way.

Voters to Augusta: Take Your Soda Tax and SHOVE IT!

Thanks to the work of Fed Up With Taxes (www.FedUpWithTaxes.org) voters overwhelmingly approved Question #1 and repealed Augusta's new tax on soda, beer, wine and health insurance claims. The new tax was aimed at keeping the failed Dirigo Health program on life support. Kudos to Fed Up With Taxes. How we love them so!

Voters have approved a repeal of the recently passed beer, wine and soda taxes, according to preliminary results.

The Bangor Daily News is reporting that 64 percent of voters have approved the repeal, while 36 percent voted to uphold the tax.

“We said back in April that if Maine people had a chance to have a voice on these taxes they would reject them,” said Newell Augur, chairman of the group Fed Up with Taxes which backed the people’s veto. “It appears as though Maine people rejected these taxes by a 2 to 1 margin. It’s a testament that families and businesses are making difficult choices every day. They hope and expect that their government will be doing the same.” Full Story

From Jason in Portland: Motor Vehicle Excise Tax

I got an interesting email from a viewer in Portland the other day. One more reason to not buy a new vehicle!

I guess you are already familiar with Motor Vehicle excise taxes, and how Augusta and the town pisses the money away! I purchased a new Truck for $26,000.00, and the sticker price was $37,000.00. Of course, the Peoples Republic of Portland city hall demanded the window sticker from the vehicle so they could charge excise tax on the full sticker price, and NOT what was paid for the vehicle. Then, to boot, at the Motor Vehicle office, they had the nerve to charge sales tax on the Factory Rebate of $5,000.00, and a $500.00 Presidents Day bonus rebate. So, all in all, they charged me sales tax on $5,500.00 which I did not spend!

I went online to get the addresses for our elected officials, and it's amazing how many offices each of them have! Presque Isle/Houlton, Bangor/Brewer, Lewiston/Auburn, Biddeford/Sanford, and of course they all have offices here in Portland with addresses such as One City Center, Canal Plaza! I wonder who's paying the rent, utilities, telephone/internet, cleaning, staffing, of all these offices, not to forget about their offices in Washington DC!

I immediately wrote letters to Susan Collins, Olympia Snow, Tom Allen, and Baldacci. Our fine elected official in our Congress and Senate responded by apologizing, and stated that they only deal with Federal Issues, and not State level issues. Our Governor's office responded with a statement that the Excise tax has been around since the 1920's, etc, and that I should express my concerns with my local district representative here in Portland. Talk about passing the buck! Not one of them had any interest in speaking to me about this issue, other than a response with a form letter from one of their assistants.
It's a complete WASTE!

I'm outraged at the system of not only our government, but the lack of commitment our elected officials take, as well as the waste of our already overburdened taxation. It's no wonder people in this state drive jukers for vehicles, while Snow, Baldacci, Collins, and Allen drive around in brand new SUV's, and Jet Set. Is there something wrong with this picture??

Jason
(The Peoples Republic of Portland)