The Sun Journal recently reported that the “Stand Up For Students” ballot question will ask Maine voters to approve a 3 percent “surcharge” (a progressive code word for “tax”) on Maine taxable income over $200,000.
The ballot question is a repulsive recipe of hypocrisy and arrogance. If anyone proposed a 3 percent tax exclusively on parents whose children attend public school, those affected would think themselves ill-used. However, there is no shame in demanding that so-called “high income earners” pay the tab.
It is the height of hypocrisy to demand a better education for children and expect someone else to pay for it. Either we are all Mainers or we are not. If schools need better funding, ask the people of Maine to support a tax increase on everyone (although I suspect that the Stand Up For Students movement has determined that that would be a non-starter).
It is the epitome of arrogance to presume what another has for disposable income. True, many professionals and small businesses fall within the targeted group. Yet, has anyone considered that most targeted individuals have exorbitant student debt, are in a higher federal income tax bracket, have phased out deductions and need excess funds to run their businesses, make payroll, provide employee benefits and buy equipment?
Bullying one group of people simply because you can is not the sign of an innovative people. Class warfare may provide temporary visceral pleasure for some, but it is not the formula for a prosperous state.
Shawn Bell, Lewiston
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