Property tax credit gets boost with new Maine law

Maine property tax credit to get a boost with new law

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- A new Maine law means that some low-and-middle income families will see their property tax credits double.

The bill Republican Gov. Paul LePage recently signed raises a property tax credit for residents under the age of 65 to $600 from $300. The credits for resident ages 65 and older will rise from $400 to $900.

The bill was introduced by Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves to bolster the property tax credit program, which replaced an old credit that gave homeowners and renters as much as $1,600 back in their taxes.

Democrats said that change was hurting struggling Maine families.

The measure will go into law 90 days after the Legislature ends. Lawmakers plan to return next week to consider any outstanding vetoes from LePage before adjourning.