News

Conservationists Criticize LePage’s Push to Tax Land Trusts

Conservationists Criticize LePage’s Push to Tax Land Trusts

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Conservation advocates in Maine say Gov. Paul LePage is using misleading information in his push to tax land trusts.

The Portland Press Herald reports LePage renewed his effort to tax land trusts during his State of the State address Tuesday. The Republican says nonprofits should contribute to help local tax bases.

LePage has tried unsuccessfully for years to change state policy to allow municipalities to tax land trusts, private colleges, hospitals and other tax exempt properties. LePage says Maine has $18.3 billion in tax-exempt land.

Conservationists say LePage failed to explain that the state, federal government and municipalities own about $11.8 billion worth of Maine’s tax-exempt property. The Maine Land Trust Network says many properties already pay fees or contribute payments in lieu of taxes.

The Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee plans to release a report on the issue.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in Local

New Hampshire Man Dead in I-95 Crash in Newport

Fresh

Maine State Police say they were on their way to assist a stopped car in the travel lane of I-95.

1 hour ago in Local

Casco Bay Lines considers another fare hike for passengers

Fresh

Riding the ferry in Casco Bay could get more expensive as the ferry line considers a 21 percent increase for passenger fares.

1 hour ago in Local

Sen. Collins’ office says remark about not seeking another term after November was an “off-hand comment”

Fresh

Sen. Susan Collins is walking back her comment that she would only serve one more term if elected in November.

2 hours ago in Entertainment, National, Trending

The Latest: Artemis II fully fueled for NASA’s historic return to the moon

NASA's launch team has loaded more than 700,000 gallons of fuel into the 32-story Space Launch System rocket, setting the stage for the Artemis II mission crew members to board...

8 hours ago in Local

Bangor Savings Bank Program Provides Support to Communities Through Donations

The public votes on the recipients through an online ballot, with the top vote-getters in each region receiving $5,000 grants.