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Across the state, many communities are struggling to adequately fund vital services that Mainers depend on including public schools, law enforcement, local emergency services and more. At the same time, inflation-related pressures have placed a significant strain on Maine families trying to afford basic expenses like housing and child care.
This dynamic is, in part, the consequence of a tax code that has historically prioritized ensuring low taxes for high-income households at the expense of investments in public services that benefit everyone. This year, we had an opportunity to change that — one that we unfortunately missed.
In the Legislature, my colleagues and I came together to pass a bipartisan, Republican-led proposal that would have amended our state personal income tax structure to create a more fair and effective tax system. LD 1231 would have adjusted income tax brackets, ensuring low- and middle-income earners experience either the same or lower rates, while introducing a new, higher rate for wealthier folks. The proposed changes would have allowed working families to keep more of their hard-earned money without the state losing crucial revenue that helps cover the cost of services we all benefit from, including many that are currently underfunded.
Unfortunately, Mainers will not experience the benefits of this thoughtful, bipartisan policy this year, as it was vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills. However, we must not let our work this session go to waste. Future legislatures should build on our efforts and pass meaningful reforms that provide the necessary funding for critical public services and investments, while also delivering relief to working Mainers.
Rep. Anne Graham
North Yarmouth
