Letters
to the Editor
To
the Editor
Although
I have reached "across the aisle" on several
issues, such as DHS reform and sexual predator legislation,
I fear that we have nothing in common when it comes
to the budget.
The main problem is that state government has gotten
far more expensive than can be supported by the working
people of Maine. Maine is nearly at full employment
but has the second highest tax burden in the US. Since
it is obvious that Mainers can't and won't be taxed
more, Governor Baldacci and the democrats want to
borrow their way out of debt.
In a period of time where 10,000+ jobs have been lost
in the private sector as businesses flee Maine's anti-business
attitude, not only have very few state jobs been threatened,
according to one fellow legislator, 700 more have
been added. Who pays for that?
The democrats have proposed a risky borrowing scheme,
which borrows $447 Million and partially pays back
into the State Pension System. The proposal allows
borrowing without approval of the voters, adds billions
to the debt in the future, and doesn't even have a
payback provision. This replaces selling the proceeds
from the lottery.
Our debt now is roughly equal to the biennial budget
of $5.7B. Back to "no new taxes." Don't
forget the 4% tax on your health insurance to cover
Dirigo and now, the "Being Outdoors Taxes"
a sticker for canoes, kayaks and sailboats with a
$500 fine if you don't have one. Also
the new and exciting "Birdwatchers license."
Rep.
Michael Vaughan (R-Durham), HD105, Durham, part of
Lisbon and New Gloucester
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