Maine House rejects income tax relief bill
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Republican-led Maine House of Representatives has rejected a bill that would have lowered income taxes if the state has surplus revenue.
The 72-61 vote came Tuesday night.
The bill goes back for further consideration in the Senate, which approved the bill about two weeks ago.
The bill proposes to lower the income tax rate to 4 percent over time by diverting money from the rainy day fund.
Supporters say it would return money to the taxpayers.
Opponents say it benefits the wealthy most, reduces state revenues by $600 million a year, and would shift more of the tax burden to towns that would need to raise property taxes.
Saco Democrat Donald Pilon called the bill "irresponsible."
