AUGUSTA (AP) — A Republican state senator from Maine who wants to raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest citizens says he’s found a House sponsor for his bill, and as expected it’s a Democrat.
Sen. Tom Saviello of Wilton proposes raising the tax on annual incomes of higher than $250,000 from 7.95 percent to 8.5 percent. The higher rate was in effect until 2011, when the Republican-controlled Legislature lowered it.
He needed a House co-sponsor for the bill because under Maine law, bills to raise revenue must originate in the lower chamber.
As expected, he’s received little support from fellow Republicans.
But on Thursday he told the Kennebec Journal that Democratic state Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield has agreed to be co-sponsor.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less