Pulp and paper reality

This letter is in response to Rep. Mike Saxl’s Aug. 21-22 op-ed commentary. In the pulp and paper industry, we are grateful that a legislative leader is taking note of the industry’s plight. We commend Rep. Saxl for his efforts to bring the industry’s challenges to light and begin working on solutions.

However, some of the statistics he cites may not be entirely accurate. He states, “In all, the Maine Legislature provided $107.9 million in FY 1997-98 to the paper industry through tax incentives.” That number is, at best, a guess. State budget planners say the number is based on assumptions and may not be accurate.

There is another, more important factor. The fact is, none of these tax incentives is unique to the pulp and paper industry. I am concerned that people will read Saxl’s commentary and conclude these are industry specific programs. They are not. Regardless of what the number is, any manufacturing company in any industry is potentially eligible for these incentives. Jeff Toorish President Maine Pulp and Paper Association Augusta