Maine: Baldacci to put own plan on list of tax overhaul proposals ~ Look Out!

boston.com ^ | 4-29-05 | Francis X. Quinn

[SheLion]

Rep. Sean Faircloth, D-Bangor, suggests hiking taxes on beer, wine, bar drinks and cigarettes, boosting the meals and lodging tax during the months of May through October, establishing a soft drinks tax and raising the income level at which the highest marginal rate would apply.

[SheLion]

Stick it to our tourist again!  Can't smoke in Maine plus their vacations in this state will cost even more with taxes.

May through October is STICK IT TO THE TOURIST AGAIN season!

Thank you Rep. Sean Faircloth, D-Bangor!  You are such a RAT!

[SheLion]

Maine Ping!

Guv Baldacci

[mainepatsfan]

Sigh.....

[SheLion]

Sigh.....

We can't win in this state.  The lawmakers sit behind closed doors and figure out how to keep their own positions secure while sticking it to the rest of us.

[goldstategop]

Let's see: a tax on Wal-mart, a tax on drinkers, a tax on smokers, a tax on.... there's never a mention of cutting spending. You get the idea.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[SheLion]

Let's see: a tax on Wal-mart, a tax on drinkers, a tax on smokers, a tax on.... there's never a mention of cutting spending. You get the idea.

When they are too gutless to cut spending, stick it to the voters and tell them it's for their own good!

[Brilliant]

Mainers (or is it Downeasters) are gluttons for punishment.

[Madame Dufarge]

In a saner time, the Maine Legislature would have been chained in the attic, never to be spoken of.

[metesky]

Not one of these economic geniuses calls for a cut in state spending.

Welcome to Utopia.

[SheLion]

Mainers (or is it Downeasters) are gluttons for punishment.

I sure don't know what it is that possesses this state..........well, actually I do.  I keep saying it must be something in the water, but those of us up north have wells.

[Brilliant]

I love visiting Maine, and once thought about moving their for retirement. Given what's happened to its politics in the last 20 years, though, I think I'll stay here in Fla.

[SheLion]

In a saner time, the Maine Legislature would have been chained in the attic, never to be spoken of.

I don't like this business of them going behind closed doors.  I thought the people ran the state?  These lawmakers secure their own cushy jobs while sticking it to the rest of us.

And no cuts?  I know a bunch of pet programs that can be cut.  How hard is it?  Are they afraid of losing a vote or two???

[theDentist]

Next year he will suggest another set of tax hikes on beer, wine, bar drinks and cigarettes, meal and lodging taxes during the months of November through April.

[SheLion]

I love visiting Maine, and once thought about moving their for retirement. Given what's happened to its politics in the last 20 years, though, I think I'll stay here in Fla.

Florida isn't too bad.  At least you can have a voice in most issues.

And if Maine throws a tax on everything between May and October, you know who they are targeting, right?  The Tourist.

[SheLion]

Next year he will suggest another set of tax hikes on beer, wine, bar drinks and cigarettes, meal and lodging taxes during the months of November through April.

Yes! To keep their grimy hands in the pockets of the rest of us.

[UlmoLordOfWaters]

Interesting.

My in-laws have a house in Maine (near MDI) that they live in June-September. I have never seen a more beautiful place--I love it.

What is it with the politics there?

[SheLion]

My in-laws have a house in Maine (near MDI) that they live in June-September. I have never seen a more beautiful place--I love it.

What is it with the politics there?

The Politics?  The Politics SUCK in Maine.  A Blue State.  The rest of us are trying to figure out how to grab hold again.

Maine can't keep a decent business.  Maine is the highest taxed state in the Union plus it's the second in the Union for poverty.  The lawmakers are gluttons.  All for them and nothing for us. 

[UlmoLordOfWaters]

I'm sorry to hear that. My husband is worried about the Bath Iron Works not staying open. He went to the University of Maine for his undergrad and absolutely loves the state (after going there, I can understand why).

I've read that Mainers have the highest tax burden per capita. We've looked at houses there online and get sticker shock at the property tax in some areas (of course, we're looking near the ocean). Jobs are a whole other story, tho.

Isn't it interesting how lawmakers often look at things ass-backwards? Taxing the people while driving business out. Our idiots in California are the same way. It's so maddening.

[SheLion]

I've read that Mainers have the highest tax burden per capita. We've looked at houses there online and get sticker shock at the property tax in some areas (of course, we're looking near the ocean). Jobs are a whole other story, tho.

Isn't it interesting how lawmakers often look at things ass-backwards? Taxing the people while driving business out. Our idiots in California are the same way. It's so maddening.

Well, California is the cousin of Maine. hehe!

But it's maddening here.  And when we read how our lawmakers go behind closed doors, it just gets worse.

One night, all the DemocRATS went behind closed doors to decide on something, and never let the Republicans know about it. 

How can two parties run a state like this?  The losers are us.

[UlmoLordOfWaters]

Well, California is the cousin of Maine.

That is unfortunate!

One night, all the DemocRATS went behind closed doors to decide on something, and never let the Republicans know about it. 

That doesn't sound like it should be possible (well, procedurally or legally). What are the elected republicans like in Maine? Are they conservative or RINOs?

[SheLion]

That doesn't sound like it should be possible (well, procedurally or legally). What are the elected republicans like in Maine? Are they conservative or RINOs?

It made the newspapers, that's how I found out about it.

We have two Republican RINO'S in the Senate.  Snowe and Collins.

Our Representatives are great people, but sadly outnumbered.  No matter how they vote, the Rats over ride it.  So it's a lose-lose situation for us.

And when we write to some of the lawmakers, all we get back is an automated response.

And our Attorney General doesn't even have an email address.  If he does, I wish someone would give it to me.

[UlmoLordOfWaters]

We have two Republican RINO'S in the Senate.  Snowe and Collins.

I've heard about those two. Don't feel bad--we have Boxer ;-)

And when we write to some of the lawmakers, all we get back is an automated response.

And our Attorney General doesn't even have an email address.  If he does, I wish someone would give it to me.

If you're emailing your representatives, I'd strongly recommend using snail mail. Politicians and their staffers pay much more attention to snail mail than emial. Putting your full name and address is also very important. Of course, this is my experience with the pols in CA, but I'm sure it can't be too different anywhere else.

[Sunshine Sister]

I won't be visiting Maine any time soon. If I have to pay taxes to have a glass of wine, I will be paying to a place where it will be doing some good for my homies.

[SheLion]

Putting your full name and address is also very important. Of course, this is my experience with the pols in CA, but I'm sure it can't be too different anywhere else.

I always submit my name and address.

But I know they prefer snail mail, but email sure is faster.  Most lawmakers across the U.S. have emails.  It's just a certain few that send out an automated message with never a follow-up.

[SheLion]

I won't be visiting Maine any time soon. If I have to pay taxes to have a glass of wine, I will be paying to a place where it will be doing some good for my homies.

Well, I hate to warn the tourists up front.  But why spend all that money in a state where you can't be comfortable.

If things turn around, I will be the first one to tell everyone to come back to Maine!  But right now, why help line the pockets of this very blue state.

[Uncle Jaque]

Well, our illustrious overlords have driven half of Maine's industry (such as was left) out of the State over the past 4 years, and now the Tourists, upon whom much of our surviving economy depends, will start noticing that New Hampshire and Vermont are kind of pretty too - and a lot more economical to spend a vacation in.

We just heard on the radio that the Commiocrats are now proposing a 5% tax on MILK, for goodness' sake!??

And with Strimling's Victim Disarmament Bill (cleverly disguised as an "Assault Weapons Ban") it's no wonder they want to take our guns away!

[Sunshine Sister]

It's a damned shame that legislators can and do prohibit visitors to the state. I'm sure Maine is just as pretty as Kansas is, but the policies of the legislature will make me think twice before I go there to visit. I'll be damned if I will travel 15 to 20 hours to go to a place where I am targeted because I am a tourist to the state. Those idiots in the state house need to know that the entire nation is aware of what they are doing. All hail the Internet and the information we can access here. Maybe someone needs to forward this post to the house and senate of Maine!

[Polyxene]

Maine must be taking lessons from Taxman Taft here in Ohio. He has levied taxes on everything that didn't have a tax and raised taxes on everything else, but he is still looking for more ways to tax us. And poor Bob just can't understand why businesses are leaving and people are moving out of Ohio. DUH, get a clue, Bob!

[SheLion]

We just heard on the radio that the Commiocrats are now proposing a 5% tax on MILK, for goodness' sake!??

That will put milk around $4 dollars a gallon up here.  ~groan

[SheLion]

It's a damned shame that legislators can and do prohibit visitors to the state. I'm sure Maine is just as pretty as Kansas is, but the policies of the legislature will make me think twice before I go there to visit. I'll be damned if I will travel 15 to 20 hours to go to a place where I am targeted because I am a tourist to the state. Those idiots in the state house need to know that the entire nation is aware of what they are doing. All hail the Internet and the information we can access here. Maybe someone needs to forward this post to the house and senate of Maine!

This has probably been going on for years, but until we had access to the Internet, we were all in the dark.

They can run but they can't hide, and they all need to be aware that WE know what is going on!  That's probably why they are going behind closed doors now, trying to prevent us from finding out their dirty underhanded deeds against us.

[Sunshine Sister]

Like you said. Legislators can no longer hide behind closed doors. No only do citizens know what they are doing, the entire nation knows and we can make our vacation decisions based on how we will be treated. I choose not to be a target of legislators who are money hungry tourist haters.

[SheLion]

Like you said. Legislators can no longer hide behind closed doors. No only do citizens know what they are doing, the entire nation knows and we can make our vacation decisions based on how we will be treated. I choose not to be a target of legislators who are money hungry tourist haters.

I am sure the following statement issued by this idiot probably thought it would never make it in the news:

Rep. Sean Faircloth, D-Bangor, suggests hiking taxes on beer, wine, bar drinks and cigarettes, boosting the meals and lodging tax during the months of May through October, establishing a soft drinks tax and raising the income level at which the highest marginal rate would apply.

Now, who do you think he is targeting?  The TOURIST!

[SheLion]

Or this idiot's statement:

Rep. John Eder, a Green party lawmaker from Portland, would apply the sales tax to tourism-related categories and direct new revenue toward targeted property tax relief.

[UlmoLordOfWaters]

I'm sure a lot of your tourists are like my in-laws--part time residents who pay property taxes, etc. It's a shame.

[SheLion]

I'm sure a lot of your tourists are like my in-laws--part time residents who pay property taxes, etc. It's a shame.

Especially down around the Coast.  Which is gorgeous.  But I am sure even they are paying enough to have a home in Maine. 

[dts32041]

Maine can't keep a decent business.

Is this why Mama Baldachi's exist?

[SheLion]

Is this why Mama Baldachi's exist?

Mama probably doesn't even PAY property tax since her sonny boy is the Guv!

[UlmoLordOfWaters]

Yep. It's a small place that they've had for years, but being able to see the ocean or paddle to the island is unbelievable.

We've thought about moving there, but I'm quite afraid to quit my job (which is great and stable). We've decided to wait for a while.

[Sunshine Sister]

She is probably living in the governors house! You know who pays the property tax for that don't you! It ain't her.

[SheLion]

She is probably living in the governors house! You know who pays the property tax for that don't you! It ain't her.

We sound bitter...............and I am!

She is probably living in the governors house! You know who pays the property tax for that don't you! It ain't her.

We sound bitter...............and I am!

[armymarinemom]

These idiots are simply amazing. You would think that citizens in Maine would realize what is going on but a lot of staunchly indoctrinated to hating big business.

The unraveling of a local mill was interesting yet tragic. Most of the mill workers looked to the union to help save their jobs. The union refused to work with the mill on a budget that would work. They are all now unemployed and most of them blame big business rather than the union.

[dts32041]

Am I crazy for wanting to move back there cause of the less restrictive gun laws the real winters the sea smoke, the hassle of only interstate to get out of the state and having to drive 3 hours to find a town of over 100,000?

[dts32041]

Yup the dairy protection racket.

Surprised they aren't putting lottery tickets in the school.

[Sunshine Sister]

We ARE bitter. For some reason legislators just don't understand that the money stream is limited. They simply don't understand the concept of cutting spending as opposed to raising taxes.

My money stream is limited. Theirs is not because they see taxes as their birthright. It's time to disabuse them of that notion. Mainers, (red staters in a blue state) if you have not contacted your legislators it's high damn time you do. I'm even thinking about calling the dept of tourism and telling them I won't be going there!

[Sunshine Sister]

What's sea smoke?

[SheLion]

The unraveling of a local mill was interesting yet tragic. Most of the mill workers looked to the union to help save their jobs. The union refused to work with the mill on a budget that would work. They are all now unemployed and most of them blame big business rather than the union.

Unions used to be good protecting the workers when they have a job in a corporation.  But union's don't show me much today. 

That union probably talked the workers right out of a job instead of negotiating for them and in the workers behalf.

[SheLion]

Am I crazy for wanting to move back there cause of the less restrictive gun laws the real winters the sea smoke, the hassle of only interstate to get out of the state and having to drive 3 hours to find a town of over 100,000?

Less restrictive gun laws?  Think again:

Re Sen. STRIMLING's LD 1579 "Assault Weapons Ban" Bill,

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD157901-1.asp

    The public Hearing on this bill is scheduled for this coming Monday, May 2, at 1000 in room 208 of the CROSS Building (the gray stone office building just behind the State House) in Augusta.

    Hope to see as many of you as possible there!

    For some general commentary on this issue, please see:

http://www.asmainegoes.com/ubb-scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=031020

Free Republic:  Strimling proposes assault-weapon ban in Maine

    If this goes through, as well it might with the current cabal in power in Augusta, it will doubtless be the start of an incremental program to disarm all Maine Citizens (other than Government operatives, of course) as the Auld Kingdom has pretty much done to it's British Subjects.  

    Didn't they try that over here back in... oh.... 1776?

    Dictatorial Rulers just never give up, do they?

Am I crazy for wanting to move back there cause of the less restrictive gun laws the real winters the sea smoke, the hassle of only interstate to get out of the state and having to drive 3 hours to find a town of over 100,000?

Less restrictive gun laws?  Think again:

Re Sen. STRIMLING's LD 1579 "Assault Weapons Ban" Bill,

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/LD157901-1.asp

    The public Hearing on this bill is scheduled for this coming Monday, May 2, at 1000 in room 208 of the CROSS Building (the gray stone office building just behind the State House) in Augusta.

    Hope to see as many of you as possible there!

    For some general commentary on this issue, please see:

http://www.asmainegoes.com/ubb-scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=031020

Free Republic:  Strimling proposes assault-weapon ban in Maine

    If this goes through, as well it might with the current cabal in power in Augusta, it will doubtless be the start of an incremental program to disarm all Maine Citizens (other than Government operatives, of course) as the Auld Kingdom has pretty much done to it's British Subjects.  

    Didn't they try that over here back in... oh.... 1776?

    Dictatorial Rulers just never give up, do they?

[SheLion]

I'm even thinking about calling the dept of tourism and telling them I won't be going there!

Please do. Put some pressure on them.

[Sunshine Sister]

You gotta deal. I'm going to the state's web page next!

[Sunshine Sister]

Done! I specifically mentioned the legislature and their tax plans. Not that it will do any good, but I tried!