Tax Conformity: Maine Democrats Still Don’t Get It

February 8, 2016

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 08, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

Democrats want a $38 million tax increase on the Maine people AUGUSTA – While Republicans in the Legislature support the LePage administration’s proposal to permanently conform Maine’s tax code to federal tax laws and reduce taxes on the Maine people, House Democrats are still adamantly opposed to it.

By not voting for permanent conformity, House Democrats are endorsing a $38 million tax increase on Maine families. “Socialist-led Democrats in the House think this is their money to spend, but it’s not,” said Governor LePage. “This money belongs to the hardworking people of Maine, and we should give it back to them. The Democrats are forcing uncertainty and undue hardship on the people and businesses that are waiting to file their taxes for no other reason than they think they know better how to spend the money than the Mainers who earned it.”

In addition to extending the Maine Capital Investment Credit through 2019, the LePage Adminstration’s proposal permanently conforms Maine to the federal teacher expense deduction, an important tax break to Maine teachers who purchase classroom supplies out of their own pocket. The legislation will also extend Maine’s conformity to federal tax items affecting itemized deductions for mortgage insurance and a deduction for higher education expenses.

“Democrats in the House are playing games by approving conformity for just one year, instead of permanently. They are turning their backs on Maine teachers, students, families and small businesses,” said Governor LePage. “If you’re a teacher buying supplies for your classroom, a family sending a kid to college or a business owner employing your neighbors, these House Democrats are saying—loud and clear—that you are not a priority to them.”