Kudos to the Maine House and Senate for having the courage to overturn the governor’s veto of the state budget bill.
I always hear the same old arguments about change — restaurants will close if the patrons can’t smoke; bars will close if people can’t smoke; families will fall apart and people will be forced to work Sundays if Sunday liquor sales are allowed. None of those fear tactics happened.
I have been against most tax increases. All the governor’s veto would have done was shift taxes to cities.
The sales tax and restaurant tax will affect almost everyone, not just property owners. One or two cents more will generate more money for schools and infrastructure. That is a more equitable way of doing it. Rich and poor, those from in-state and out-of-state, on assistance or not, would contribute, not just property owners.
Tourists will continue to come to Maine. The increases in sales tax and meal tax will not stop that. There are many who vacation and come to Maine on a seasonal basis. A small tax increase is never going to stop that.
I am sick and tired of politicians using fear and scare tactics to push forward their agendas.
With the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, I can see the face of the USA changing in the right direction. Kudos to Maine for being in the forefront.
Do voters really want politicians in office who are embarrassments to the good people of Maine?
Martin Keim, Auburn
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