by James Cyr | Mar 9, 2016 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA — The Maine Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill package that conforms Maine’s tax laws with recent changes to federal law, while providing $15 million in additional funding for local school districts. The tax conformity bill, LD 1583, conforms fully with the federal tax extender bill approved by Congress in 2015, and funds extensions of tax relief for businesses, teachers and homeowners for two years. The Senate enacted the bill with a unanimous vote, following a 121-19 enactment vote in the House of Representatives. The school funding bill, LD 1641, provides an additional $15 million of state aid to local schools, which are facing a shortfall in funding from the state. The Department of Education has recommended $20.9 million to keep local property tax rates from rising. The bill also creates a Blue Ribbon Commission to study school funding, to ensure the state is doing the best it can to provide for K-12 education. The Senate enacted LD 1641 with a unanimous vote, after a 131-8 vote in the House of Representatives. Senate President Michael Thibodeau, R-Winterport, called the passage of LD 1583 a “huge win for Maine’s small businesses and for all tax filers.” “As I said before, tax conformity is the seed corn of our economic future, because the seeds we plant now will greatly benefit us in the short and long term,” Thibodeau said. “By passing this bill, we are telling businesses that they are appreciated and welcome here in Maine, and that will benefit all of us. I was pleased that we were able to provide additional resources for education which will help...
by James Cyr | Feb 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – A bill sponsored by Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) to protect domestic abuse victims is making its way through the Legislature. The bill (LD 1563), “An Act To Enact the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act” is currently in front of the Judiciary Committee. If signed into law, the bill would require Maine to adopt the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act which establishes a uniform system for the enforcement of domestic violence protection orders across state lines. Congress passed the Violence Against Woman Act of 1994, but many states have their own laws with differing statutes regarding interstate enforcement of protection orders. The Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act ensures that protection orders are treated exactly the same, regardless of where they were issued. So far 18 states have enacted this legislation including California, Alabama, Texas and Rhode Island. Wisconsin is currently considering it. “This is an important piece of legislation for domestic abuse victims and for law enforcement,” Senator Thibodeau said. “It ensures that the same protections that are in place for victims here in Maine will be observed if they go to another state that has adopted this legislation. “Domestic abuse victims have already endured enough trauma. They need and deserve protection regardless of where a protection order was issued.” The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on the bill before it goes to the full Legislature before lawmakers adjourn in April. # # # ...
by James Cyr | Feb 3, 2016 | Uncategorized
“This tax conformity package is the seed corn of our economic future; the seeds we plant now will greatly benefit us in the long run-not just the short term. Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, recognized that when they approved tax reductions late last year. It would be irresponsible for us to not conform to the federal ‘Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act.’ “Republicans on the Maine’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee took the economically responsible course of action in approving the tax conformity package today. “In addition to preventing $38 million in increased tax liability, this legislation sends the right message to Maine’s small businesses, teachers, and to all taxpayers: We do not intend to increase your tax liability in the future and we won’t make it more difficult to live and work in Maine. “The one-year solution supported by Democrats may be politically expedient, but it sends the wrong message to the very people we desperately need to make investments in our...
by James Cyr | Feb 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – A bill that will align Maine’s tax code with the federal standards, lowering the tax burden for Maine’s businesses and individuals was passed today by the Legislature’s Taxation Committee. The legislation, LD 1564, “An Act to Update References to the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Contained in the Maine Revised Statutes,” was introduced to the Maine Legislature in response to changes the U.S. Congress recently made to federal tax guidelines. The federal bill, “Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act” offers much-needed relief for businesses and individuals. LD 1564 lets Maine’s small businesses keep more of their revenue which will allow them to make investments in their operations and expand and hire new workers. The legislation is strongly supported by members of Maine’s business community. It will benefit teachers by allowing them to deduct classroom expenses. There are tax incentives for homeowners, higher education, and low-income Mainers in the bill. Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau, (R-Waldo) said, “It is important that we adopt this tax policy for the long term, and not just make a temporary fix, because businesses and all Maine citizens need to know that we are serious about not raising their tax liability and, in effect, their cost of living here doing business.” Tomorrow the bill will be referred to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee which will take up the issue of funding offsets that it will require. It will then go to the full Legislature for a...
by James Cyr | Jan 19, 2016 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – The Maine Legislature today passed emergency legislation to combat the escalating drug crisis in Maine. The $3.7 million spending package puts 10 new Maine drug enforcement agents on the street and dedicates resources to treating drug addicts and to assist drug prevention efforts. Governor Paul LePage signed the bill into law shortly after it was sent to him by the Legislature. Maine lawmakers recently vowed to take immediate action on addressing the drug crisis after public safety and health officials around the state began reporting a sharp spike in the number of heroin-related overdoses and arrests around the state. Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo), sponsored the bill,” An Act To Combat Drug Addiction through Enforcement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.” (LD 1537). President Thibodeau said, “This sends a clear message to those who want to sell drugs here in Maine: we’re not going to tolerate that kind of activity. We are going to make sure our children have a safe place to grow up.” The votes in both the Maine Senate and House of Representatives were unanimous. “It is remarkable when every legislator in the building puts aside their differences to do something that will help Maine. This is something we should all be very proud of, and it bodes very well for the upcoming session.” Assistant Majority Leader Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot) said, “This legislation highlights the importance of addressing the drug crisis here in Maine. It sends the message to dealers that their deadly drugs are not welcome here in Maine.” Senator Jim Hamper (R-Oxford) cautioned lawmakers from thinking their work was done on this issue. “Let’s...
