News

Maine tax on Poland Spring rejected in committee

Maine tax on Poland Spring rejected in committee

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A Maine legislative committee has voted against a bill to tax water bottler Poland Spring.

The Portland Press Herald reports the House and Senate will now consider the legislation.

The Legislature’s Taxation Committee voted Tuesday to reject a Democrat’s bill that would have charged Poland Spring 12 cents for every gallon of water extracted for bottling.

The legislation is part of years-old unsuccessful efforts to tax the hundreds of millions of gallons that Poland Spring bottles in Maine.

The bill targets Poland Spring, which would have paid roughly $115 million under the proposal based on the 960 million gallons extracted last year. Revenues from the tax would fund college tuition grants and Maine’s broadband internet network.

Opponents include several Democrats and Republicans who say Poland Spring employs over 800 people in Maine.

Latest Headlines

3 minutes ago in Local

Massachusetts Sen. Warren Joins Troy Jackson, Hannah Pingree at Portland Rally

Fresh

The rally came 17 days before the election.

56 minutes ago in Local

‘Unknown Substance’ Sent to Sen. Collins Portland Office

Fresh

The letter was intercepted with no injuries

1 day ago in Local

Bangor man accused of threatening woman, crashing into her car

A man is accused of crashing into a woman's vehicle after threatening her with a knife during a family fight in Bangor.

1 day ago in Local

Rep. AOC to visit Portland to support Democratic candidates

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will stump for Democratic candidates in Maine.

2 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Pope speaks with Putin, denouncing recent attacks as he shows recovery from lung surgery progressing

Pope Leo XIV gave strong indications Friday that he was recovering well from lung cancer surgery and was very much in charge of running the Catholic...