by James Cyr | Jun 16, 2015 | Uncategorized
On June 15, 2015, legislative leaders in the Maine House and Senate reached an agreement on a two-year budget that begins on July 1, 2015, thus avoiding a state shutdown. Below are the details of the agreement. The amended budget agreement will: 1) Keep itemized deductions but charitable contributions are now counted against the itemized deduction cap 2) Increase single standard deduction to $11,600 in 2016, adjust annually for inflation. 3) Phase out taxpayer’s deduction (standard or itemized); for single the phase out range is between $70,000 and $145,000 of Maine Adjusted Gross income. The phase out starting point is adjusted for inflation beginning in 2018. 4) Tax Brackets for Single, in 2016: $0-21,050: 5.8% (Standard deduction up to $11,600) $21,051 – $37,500: 6.75% $37,501 and higher: 7.15% Tax Brackets for Single, in 2017: $0-21,050: 5.8% (Standard deduction up to $11,600) $21,401 – $50,000: 6.75% $50,001 and higher: 7.15% ***Note that these brackets are based on taxable income with the new, increased standard deduction and will be indexed for inflation starting in 2018. 5) Take Sales Tax Fairness Credit in budget, reduce credit before phase out 60%, start single phase out at $20,000 instead of $15,000, but phase out at the same rate as in budget. 6) Military pensions completely exempt; no change to $10,000 retirement deduction 7) Long-term care premium and Section 529 Plan contribution subtraction modifications eliminated; addition modifications unchanged 8) $15,000 homestead for all in property tax year 2016; state reimburses 50% of additional $5,000; $20,000 homestead for all starting...
by James Cyr | May 26, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today submitted a bill that would allow some hunters to wear red instead of the standard orange while hunting in Maine. The Amish faith prohibits the use of bright colors, but Amish hunters are currently forced to use the bright, fluorescent hunter orange to comply with safety regulations. The bill, LD 1430, “An Act to Allow Hunters Whose Religion Prohibits Wearing Hunter Orange Clothing to Instead Wear Red,” is currently in front of the Maine Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. Senate President Thibodeau said, “Hunting is an integral part of Maine’s culture, and many of our Amish citizens are avid hunters. They just want to have the same opportunities as other hunters in Maine. “But the requirement to wear fluorescent orange while hunting conflicts with their religious beliefs, and I believe we can remedy that in the Legislature while at the same time maintaining high hunting safety standards in Maine.” The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee is expected to vote on LD 1430 soon. Once that happens, the bill will go before the full Legislature. # # # ...
by James Cyr | May 18, 2015 | Uncategorized
Belfast – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said today that OnProcess Technology’s plan to expand in the City of Belfast and potentially hire hundreds of workers is great economic news for the entire region. OnProcess Technology works with businesses around the world, helping them manage their global supply chains. According to a news release, the company plans to begin hiring in Belfast immediately, and may eventually add up to 350 new jobs. “OnProcess is an outstanding company that is on the cutting edge of the latest technology. They are an excellent fit for Waldo County where they will find highly qualified, motivated job candidates. “This is great economic news for the entire region. I would like to thank OnProcess Technology for choosing Maine for their expansion and welcome them to our great state!” OnProcess will locate in the former MBNA office buildings along Route 3. OnProcess Technology will be holding job fairs on May 20, from 10am to 7pm and on May 21, from 9am to 5pm at the Hutchison Center at 80 Belmont Ave. in Belfast. For more information, visit www.onprocess.com/our-company/careers/. ...
by James Cyr | May 15, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Republican leaders in the Maine Legislature today unveiled a budget proposal that significantly reduces the income tax burden on all Maine citizens, keeps the current sales tax rate of 5.5 percent in place with no expansion of taxable items, and protects programs to help low-income Mainers. The Republican leaders’ plan reduces the income tax burden on Mainers by approximately $380 million over the next two year budget cycle, while keeping the current revenue sharing rates to municipalities the same. Under the Republican proposal, the highest marginal tax bracket would not kick in until $50,000 in taxable income, which would create a significant tax cut for Maine’s middle class. Other highlights of the proposal include: Keeping itemized deductions Lowering the corporate tax rate Exempting military pension income tax Safeguarding tax exemption for non-profits Keeping Homestead property tax exemption Mirroring the Governor’s plan to eliminate the estate tax Republican leaders said they believe that this proposal is a solid framework to build the necessary support from both parties to pass a two-year budget. Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said, “This is a commonsense proposal that I believe will have strong support in the Legislature. Mainers deserve tax relief, and a simplified tax code. This plan does not include complicated bureaucratic rebate programs. Instead, it allows Mainers to keep their money without having to apply for it by filling out a form and waiting for their check to arrive.” House Republican Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport) said, “We fully support our Republicans on the Appropriations Committee as they work through a complicated process of putting together a state budget. We share...
by James Cyr | May 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate Republican leaders today applauded the Governor’s commitment to include funding for adaptive equipment to help Mainers with disabilities in the state’s two-year budget, as well as funding for non-profits. LD 48 “An Act to Reduce Registration Fees and Excise Taxes for For-hire Vehicles with Adaptive Equipment Enabling Access by Persons with Disabilities,” went before the Maine Senate today, as did LD 13, “An Act to Provide an Exemption for Sales Tax and Service Provider Tax to Nonprofit Collaboratives of Libraries.” The bills were vetoed when they became unnecessary, because funding for the programs was included in the Governor’s change package to the biennial budget proposal. Republicans in the Legislature are committed to governing effectively and efficiently. There is no need to duplicate these efforts when there’s already funding that will be included in the state budget. Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said, “It gives me great satisfaction to know that we in the Legislature are doing what we can to help those with disabilities. They are the folks we should be trying to help. “I was disappointed to see Democratic leadership trying to unravel these efforts in order to score political points. Mainers don’t care about inside baseball. They care about results.” Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason said, “I had hoped that on issues that are as important as these that we would be able to avoid political bickering and do what’s right for those we serve. In the end, we got it right, and important programs will receive the funding they need.” ...
by James Cyr | May 11, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today presented legislation that would create a commission to examine reducing unfunded and outdated mandates on local Maine communities. The bill, LD 1377, “Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Reduction of Unfunded and Outdated Municipal Mandates,” had a public hearing in front of the Maine Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee today. The commission would be required to meet twice a year for two years in order to produce a list of those state mandates that local communities are required to follow so the Legislature can vote on whether to eliminate or revise those mandates. “Our local governments have a tough enough time as it is making ends meet without having the state add new requirements for them every year. I am constantly hearing from our local officials that they need relief, and I believe this bill provides a way forward to do that,” Senate President Thibodeau said. Among those who testified in favor of LD 1377 was Kathy Littlefield from the Town of Waldo, who has served on the Board of Selectmen for more than forty years. Littlefield told members of the State and Local Government Committee, “I have to say to you all that I have been dealing with unfunded mandates, in one form or another, for a very long time, and it’s getting more and more frustrating to try to comply with all these mandates with no willingness on the State’s part to participate with the financial implications of compliance.” Representatives from the Maine Municipal Association and Maine Mayor’s Coalition also testified in favor of LD...
by James Cyr | May 7, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage has signed into a law a bill that will increase access to the Belfast Municipal Airport and allow for other improvements at the facility. The bill was sponsored by Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo). The legislation authorizes the Maine National Guard to transfer a piece of property to the City of Belfast. This exchange is necessary in order to build a new taxiway at Belfast Municipal Airport and enhance safety. This transfer will provide the land necessary for the future construction of a partial parallel taxiway, a project that will not only improve safety and accessibility at Belfast Municipal Airport, but will also allow it to continue to be an asset to support the economy of Waldo County. Belfast Municipal Airport serves as an important piece of infrastructure, supporting the economy of the Belfast region. Two of Belfast’s largest employers, athenahealth and Front Street Shipyard, make extensive and regular use of the airport, as do commuters, seasonal residents, and tourists. “This airport is becoming increasingly important to Belfast and the entire region,” Senator Thibodeau said. “Businesses are reliant on the facility to fly out of to conduct business around the world and to welcome clients to coastal Maine. These improvements, made possible by the land transfer, will benefit all who use the airport. “I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this possible, especially members of the Maine National Guard and Thomas Kittredge who is the Economic Development Director for the City of Belfast.” # # #...
by James Cyr | Apr 29, 2015 | Uncategorized
Maine Senate Approves Voter ID Augusta – The Maine Senate today approved LD 197, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Election Laws by Requiring Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting” by a vote of 18-17. “Passage of Voter ID is a great development for all Maine citizens,” said Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo). “There’s a reason why the overwhelming majority of registered voters support this legislation: It protects the integrity of the system, and that is crucial for all of us who put our faith in it. My hope is that the House of Representatives will also acknowledge the wishes of voters and approve this.” Added Senator Garrett Mason (R-Androscoggin), Senate Majority Leader, “Voting is a precious right. Putting a voter ID requirement in place is a commonsense approach to safeguard our system. With everything else people must show an ID for, it is reasonable that citizens would show an ID to vote. I am pleased we took this first step toward implementing voter ID in Maine.” The measure, sponsored by Senator Ron Collins (R-York), requires that a voter present their photo ID to the election clerk when they check in to receive their ballot. If a voter cannot present their photo ID, they must sign a provisional ballot affidavit and must prove their identity to the election clerk within five business days of the election. Voters can also cast a ballot without an ID if the election clerk or official can personally attest to the voter’s identity. In these instances, an affidavit will once again be provided by the Secretary of State. ...
by James Cyr | Apr 29, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate today soundly defeated a bill that would have banned plastic bags statewide. The bill, LD 325, would have prohibited Maine retailers from using plastic bags for their customers’ purchases after September, 2020. Senator Tom Saviello (R-Franklin), who is the chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, called the legislation unnecessary. “Municipalities already have the ability to put their own restrictions on plastic bags, so there’s no need to have the state mandate this. “When it comes to pollution, we have much bigger problems than plastic bags, and given the potential impact on business, I found this legislation unnecessary,” Senator Saviello said. Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason (R-Androscoggin) said, “This is a jobs-killing bill and a perfect example of what we should not be doing in the Maine Legislature. This would have made the cost of doing business higher and been a huge inconvenience to those who spend their hard-earned money in our places of business. Rejecting this bill was the right move.” The bill was defeated by a vote of 24-10....
by James Cyr | Apr 29, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today submitted legislation designed to lower electricity costs in Maine. His bill, LD 1339, “An Act To Provide Relief to Maine Ratepayers,” had a public hearing today before the Maine Legislature’s Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee. “Electricity costs have long been identified as one of Maine’s biggest economic problems,” Senator Thibodeau said. “Last year, ratepayers saw huge spikes on their electric bills, and that didn’t need to happen to the extent that it did. My bill aims to control costs that are unnecessarily inflated.” The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that is currently in place in Maine drives up energy costs by requiring electricity providers to buy renewable energy credits (REC) at much higher rates than those of many other states. Senate President Thibodeau’s bill, LD 1339, does not suspend the RPS. It simply suspends the requirement if the cost of energy becomes too high, adversely affecting the Maine economy. In addition, it would require the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reject all bids to provide standard offer service if none of the bids come in at less than 10 cents per kilowatt hour. “This is a very reasonable bill that would act as a relief valve for energy costs in Maine. The standard offer rate for Maine’s two major electricity providers is currently 6.5 cents per kilowatt hour. An increase to 10 cents would represent an extraordinary spike and would be a huge hardship to ratepayers. “I am all for renewable power, but at what point do we stop asking Mainers to subsidize the high costs of these power sources?...
