News

Portland Press Herald : Cutting back on excise tax will do communities harm

Voters, please do not be fooled by Question 2, which its promoters want you to think will provide excise tax relief. This initiative is flagrantly unfair and will not benefit most middle-income Maine residents.

York County Journal Tribune : Question 2: A threat to local roads and budgets

Among the citizen initiatives on the states Nov. 3 ballot is a tax break that would benefit relatively few, while creating problems that everyone would eventually encounter.

The Sun Journal : Question 2: Cut is worse than the tax

We dislike Maine's automobile excise tax. Paying an annual chunk of money for owning a car grates against our more Libertarian sensibilities. That the tax is based on a vehicle's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price also adds insult to agony, since MSRP is a fairy tale figure. Nobody pays it.

WGAN : Question 2 - The Excise Tax Debate Part Two

Ken and Mike Moderate part two of the debate between Tarren Bragdon of the Maine Heritage Policy Center and Jeff Hermon of the Maine Municipal Association on question 2 on the November ballot - The Excise Tax.

WGAN : Question 2- The Excise Tax Debate Part One

Ken and Mike Moderate a debate between Tarren Bragdon of the Maine Heritage Policy Center and Jeff Hermon of the Maine Municipal Association on question 2 on the November ballot - The Excise Tax.

Portland Press Herald : Excise-tax cut? Gimme a break

BILL NEMITZ

Morning Sentinel : China opposes referendum to cut some excise taxes

Bangor Daily News : In Bangor excise tax equals road work costs

The motor vehicle excise tax is paid to and stays with the city or town in which you live. If approved, this measure will have a significant effect on city and town revenues, requiring cutting or eliminating programs and services or increasing property taxes.

Morning Sentinel : Waterville council overrides mayor's veto

City councilors apparently prevail over a debate with Mayor Paul LePage on the excise-tax question.

WGME - News 13 : Question 2: A Cut In Excise Tax That Some Say Will Cost You More

Jobs could be cut and property taxes in Portland could go up if voters say yes to question two. That's according to the city manager. Video: http://www.wgme.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wgme_vid_788.shtml

Villiage Soup : Hope Board of Selectmen opposes excise tax question

The Hope Board of Selectmen has signed a resolution against the excise tax referendum question that will face voters in the November election.

Bangor Daily News : Etna, Belgrade officials urge informed voting

The towns of Etna and Belgrade have something in common. The boards of selectpersons have adopted a resolution to oppose Question 2, which would reduce the municipal excise tax paid on motor vehicles by approximately 40 percent. We also voted to pass a resolution opposing TABOR II that is Question 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot. In both towns, the reasons were the same.

Morning Sentinel : WATERVILLE Council weighs override of veto

Councilors last month voted to sign a resolution urging voters to reject a measure Nov. 3 that would decrease the automobile excise tax. Mayor Paul R. LePage on Sept. 23 vetoed that council vote. Tonight, councilors will consider overriding his veto, which requires a two-thirds vote of the council.

WLBZ 2 : Town Creates Two Budgets To Prepare For Cuts

One town in central Maine is preparing two budgets for the next fiscal year. In addition to its regular budget, Pittsfield is also working on a backup budget. That backup budget will address the almost four hundred thousand dollars in tax revenue the town would lose if voters pass Question 2 on the November ballot

Citizens Unified for Maine's Future : Press Release: Maine State Chamber of Commerce Applauded for Opposing Question 2

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce has unanimously voted to oppose the November 3rd referendum question that would strip Maine municipalities of the funding it needs to maintain safe roads and bridges.

Waterville Sentinel : WATERVILLE: Council opposes drop in excise tax

WATERVILLE -- City councilors officially encourage residents to vote against a measure in November that would decrease the automobile excise tax.

Kennebec Journal : Excise Tax Initiative: Rest of the question: How will municipalities cope with loss of income?

In November, Maine citizens will be asked whether they want to reduce vehicle excise taxes. While that is an enticing proposition that has some benefits, it represents only half the question. The ballot also should include the question as to whether Maine citizens want reduced municipal services and/ or want to pay more in property taxes.

Bangor Daily News : Road Work Ahead

The search for an equitable and painless mechanism to fund highway and bridge work in Maine will continue for decades if legislators let it. Meanwhile, roads crumble, potholes deepen and bridges rust.

WCSH6 : Bangor City Leaders Fear Excise Tax Cuts

BANGOR (NEWS CENTER) -- This November 3rd voters will decide whether the state should cut its excise tax on automobiles.Excise tax is paid when residents register their motor vehicles with a town or city

Bangor Daily News : Battle brewing over bill to reform Maines excise tax

ABBOT, Maine The opposing sides of excise tax reform are preparing to duke it out in the public before a proposed reform package is presented on the November ballot.

Bangor Daily News : Cutting auto excise tax would cripple road repairs

In an April 27 OpEd, Auto excise tax reform would help working families, Rep. David Cotta, R-China, advocated for a cut in the automobile excise that supports municipal operations. The excise tax initiative is being spearheaded by a tax-exempt advocacy group called the Maine Heritage Policy Center. This is the same group that spearheaded the failed TABOR initiative two years ago and is running another TABOR initiative this year in addition to the excise tax ballot question. Rep. Cottas piece parroted arguments put forth by this organization in support of slashing municipal revenues.

Kennebec Journal : Excise-tax bill ignites debate

AUGUSTA -- The debate over one of the most hated taxes in Maine -- the motor vehicle excise tax -- sparked more than three hours of discussion Thursday at the Statehouse.