AUGUSTA – While lawmakers delved into the details of Gov. John Baldacci’s tax relief package Wednesday, the governor launched a Web page with hopes of involving the public in the issue that’s taken center stage early in the legislative session.

Baldacci’s Web site includes a range of choices Mainers can enter for what share of tax relief money should be allocated to categories including low- and middle-income taxpayers, those whose principal residences are out of state, and all Maine residents.

Similar to a site that invited Mainers to suggest spending priorities two years ago when the state faced a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, Baldacci’s new Tax Reduction Survey Tool also asks for suggestions on how much should be allocated to schools.

At the same time, a coalition of about 15 business associations plans to measure the effects of the Baldacci proposal on the Maine economy, and two citizen initiatives call for spending and tax caps.

“We need to find out what we can about the effects of the proposals on business planning and investment decisions,”‘ said David Clough, speaking for the Maine Business Association Roundtable.

On the Net: Gov. Baldacci’s tax tool: http://www.maine.gov/

governor/baldacci/issues/taxes/taxtool/taxtool.php.