The legislative session is in full swing. We’re tackling big issues such as combatting the opiate crisis, supporting job creation and protecting Maine’s most vulnerable, including our children and seniors.
We have some significant choices before us this year. Maine must decide whether and how closely to conform to the new federal tax overhaul passed by congress. If lawmakers choose to mirror changes to the federal tax code in our state tax laws, it would hurt Maine’s working families by increasing their taxes by a total of $236 million dollars.
The current proposal addresses these pending tax increases by replacing the state’s current personal
exemption, which would be eliminated by conforming to the new federal law, and providing a $500 child tax credit, among other measures.
The governor’s plan would also provide an additional $90 million in tax breaks for corporations and very wealthy taxpayers, including doubling the state’s estate tax exemption, lowering the state’s corporate tax rate and increasing business deductions.
Maine is the last New England state to recover from the recession that began in 2008. Over the past seven years, the Legislature has worked carefully to create a tax structure designed to benefit working families.
The total impact of the tax package is not yet clear and any proposal that could harm either our recovery or working families in Windham will be met with skepticism. There is no requirement for Maine to conform to federal tax changes, especially if they are bad for Maine’s economy.
I will support a tax conformity package that will strengthen the middle class, make education and training more affordable and encourage businesses to start up and create jobs right here in Maine.
I will continue to update you as we move ahead.
As spring approaches, campground reservations are now available for the 2018 season at all Maine State Parks. Fees vary from campground to campground. Visit www.campwithme.com or call 1-800-332-1501 to book a campsite.
It is an honor to continue to serve as one of Windham’s representatives. As always, please feel free to send me a letter at 166 Albion Road in Windham, call me at 892-6591 or email anytime at mark.bryant@legislature.maine.gov.
Rep. Mark Bryant serves in the Maine House and represents part of Windham. He serves on the Committee on State and Local Government and the Committee on Transportation.
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