Senate President and House Republican Leader Say Budget Cannot Include Highest in the Nation Tax Bracket

AUGUSTA – With the state budget deadline approaching, Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) and House Republican Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport) today announced any two-year budget agreement cannot include an onerous three-percent surcharge that will give Maine the dubious distinction of having the highest tax bracket in the nation.

Republican leadership has been meeting on a regular basis at the State House to address Maine’s tax issues while Democrats continue their listening tour that is not scheduled to conclude until May 11.

“It is the responsibility of our elected representatives to act in the best interest of the people of Maine which I believe does not include having the highest income tax rate in the nation,” said Rep. Fredette. “I believe that Republicans will not endorse the 3 percent surcharge and we will find a solution that will allow us to pass a 2-year budget.”

Senate President Thibodeau said, “We stand ready to meet with Democrats to discuss our budget priorities. But any agreement must include a repeal of the punishing three percent surcharge that is already prompting Maine businesses and professionals to leave the state.

“I am certain we can honor the spirit of what voters asked for without hurting our businesses and discouraging investment in Maine. We need a budget that won’t bankrupt Maine’s economy,” Thibodeau said.

Senate President Michael Thibodeau: Contact Jim Cyr – (207) 287-1501
House Republican Leader Ken Fredette: Contact Rob Poindexter – (207) 991-0727