News

In Waning Days, Maine Lawmakers Could Weigh Tax Breaks


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Lawmakers have a shrinking window to consider competing tax proposals by Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage and Democrats.

Democrats revealed a $52 million plan Tuesday to update Maine’s tax code, while providing property relief and credits for employer-paid family leave.

LePage wants to use a budgetary surplus for roughly $90 million in tax breaks. He proposes cutting the top corporate tax rate from 8.93 to 8.33 percent and creating a $500 child and dependent tax credit.

LePage’s also would update Maine’s tax code following Republican President Trump’s tax reform. Companies such as Mylan Laboratories are lobbying lawmakers on the proposal.

Time is running out and some experts suggest a tax code overhaul can wait until 2019. The Legislature officially adjourns Wednesday but lawmakers could extend the session.

Latest Headlines

7 hours ago in Local

Thomaston Woman Accused of Trying to Run Over Border Patrol Agent

Police claim the suspects left the scene and was then arrested

8 hours ago in Local

Deputies Looking for Driver Who Left Scene After Hitting Pedestrian in Pownal

Deputies say a man was returning to his vehicle from a walk in the woods when he was hit.

9 hours ago in Local

Maine joins states suing over Trump administration’s decision not to tap into emergency SNAP funding

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey is joining 22 other attorneys general and two governors who are suing the Trump administration over the suspension of SNAP benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown.

11 hours ago in Local

Kennebec County deputies looking for missing 15-year-old

Police in Kennebec County are asking for help as they search for a missing teenager.

17 hours ago in Local

Backers of Maine Red Flag Drill Down Argument Ahead of Vote

Supporters say the law could have helped stop the Lewiston mass shootings two years ago.