AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Support is growing for a Maine proposal to increase taxes on high earners to pay for all elderly and disabled people who need help with daily activities in their homes.
Democratic Secretary of State Matt Dunlap on Friday says supporters have enough signatures to get the proposal on the Nov. 6 ballot if lawmakers don’t pass it first.
The ballot question would increase taxes on high-earning Mainers in order to raise $310 million annually for so-called “universal home care” for the elderly and disabled.
Maine People’s Alliance spokesman Mike Tipping says employers and employees would together face a new 3.8 percent tax on the portion of income above the amount that’s subject to Social Security employment taxes.
The campaign has reported receiving a $350,000 boost from nonprofits linked to billionaire philanthropist George Soros.
