March 28, 2024
Column

June 8 choice is clear

On June 8 voters have an opportunity to send a clear message to the lawmakers in Augusta: Keep your promise to properly fund Maine’s schools and provide relief for Maine’s overburdened property taxpayers.

The May 22-23 editorial “Another Fine Mess” highlighted three very important points about the current state of tax reform in Maine.

First, it aptly labeled the property tax situation in Maine as a mess. In fact, it is a BIG mess and it is only getting worse.

Second, it correctly noted that the Legislature did not heed the call of the voters to develop a solution to the property tax crisis. More than 70 percent of the voters in November supported either an immediate increase in state funding for education or a phased-in approach – and yet this message still did not resonate with those who could have made the changes needed to accomplish this objective.

Third, the editorial accurately explained that supporters of Question 1 are committed to being flexible as we move towards a workable solution. Question 1 supporters are reaching out to an increasing number of legislators who want to be part of the solution rather than be part of the problem.

The voters should keep these three points in mind as they make their decision in the voting booth on June 8.

This year’s actions in the political arena in Augusta made the property tax situation worse. Not only did they fail to devise a solution, the ‘no tax increase’ shell game actually shifted even more of the burden onto the property tax – to the tune of $60 million. The state’s 1.5 percent increase to education is the lowest in a decade. Further, instead of providing 55 percent of the costs of public education, the state is paying a mere 40 percent. This is the lowest contribution from the state under the education law that has been in place since 1984. They are heading down the wrong road and Question 1 will head us back in the right direction.

What concerns me is the editorial’s inference that because the Legislature created “another fine mess” that we should be sympathetic and not hold them accountable for failing to correct the problem. Accountability – and action – is necessary. As a citizen initiative, Question 1 will send a strong message to Augusta that “there are no more excuses for inaction on property tax relief and tax reform.”

The choice on June 8 could not be clearer – Question 1 is an opportunity for property taxpayers to speak directly to Augusta in a responsible and measured way.

Supporters of Question 1 respect the message sent last November by over 70 percent of the voters to get something done. Question 1 supporters believe that when politicians pass education mandates they need to honor their commitment to adequately fund them. Question 1 promotes level-headed regionalism and will finally force the state to devise a comprehensive tax burden management program.

The opportunity for real tax reform is now squarely in the hands of the voters and we feel there is no better place for it to be. The choice is clear, vote yes on Question 1.

Susan Lessard is Hampden’s town manager.


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