I am writing in response to the letter by Sharon Bray (BDN, Sept. 29) urging people to vote No on 1. As is usual with the supporters of this tax, Ms. Bray neglects to mention that in addition to the tax on beer and soda, this measure also includes a 1.8 percent tax on your benefits every time that you use your health insurance.

I cannot understand the logic of how raising taxes on health insurance benefits in order to support cheaper health insurance makes any kind of sense. I have a hard enough time meeting my co-pays and cannot afford to pay an additional tax on my health insurance. It would be most refreshing if all the supporters of this measure also mentioned this tax and told the entire truth about this measure.

I would also point out that in the last election, Gov. John Baldacci promised no new taxes as did many, if not all, of the people running for the Legislature. Then they have the nerve to pass this new tax in a secret late-night backroom meeting with no public input or comment. Now they are wondering why people are upset.

The Dirigo plan was flawed from the beginning and needs to be scrapped if the only way it can stay afloat is with this new tax. If you want affordable health insurance in this state, then change the laws and allow health insurance companies in to have free and fair competition as has been done so successfully in most other states.

Dianne Grant

Eddington