The goal as stated in the introduction to their site, is that it is a,
“statewide, grassroots network whose main function is to educate the voting public in matters of taxation”
The understanding that I got from reading much on the site is that they just wish to get Mainer’s together, and provide information that will provide Maine people with the knowledge to know the issues related to taxes in the state.
Obviously people can’t vote and have it really do other Mainer’s any good, if we as voters do not understand what we are voting on, as well as the overall affect it will have on Maine taxpayers.
I have met Mr. Wibby and he is the one that told me about the site. I would like to see anyone from Maine visit, just because, everything has to start somewhere.
I don’t know that I believe in all that they do, but I do know when it was voting time, I really didn’t know the exact affect of some of what was on the ballot. It is my fault so I have no one to blame, but me.
One of the things I didn’t like about the voting was the question on excise tax. I finally did read it on the Citizens Alliance of Maine Site. I do know that the people I associate with were against the bill on excise taxes because it wasn’t felt that those that bought “hybrid cars” should get the sales tax wavered, as well as the 3 year tax break on excise tax. Had that part of the bill not been on there, I believe many or most people would have voted for it, myself included. I didn’t vote for it because the automobiles that are in that price range would never, as I see it, be bought by the people that might actually “need” the tax break.
I assume it would have actually been so few of these vehicles that overall it would have greatly benefited most Mainers. On the other side, if it actually affected so few, why was it even there? I do think that the majority of the people I talked with, and it is a very small number, felt that those that could afford those cars, didn’t need the break so the whole bill was basically for them, which I am not sure I agree with after reading the bill. I do know a car like the hybrids isn’t something I want nor is it something I could really afford to get a few miles per gallon.
I strongly recommend going to the Citizens Alliance of Maine Site and reading about LD 1495 Tax Reform and Tax Relief 21 June 200.
This is the bill that has been passed that taxes just about everything we purchase in the state.
It reduces the top Maine State Tax rate from 8.5% to 6.5% which I suppose is a very good thing. The things to consider is that the “average” person in Maine is most likely not paying the top rate. This means no deduction for them.
It also establishes a flat rate of 6.5% which will mean that anyone who makes less than the top rate will pay a flat rate, which will be more for most Mainers.
The 1 1/5% increase in Meals and Lodging will affect most Mainers. Most of us eat out occasionally. This one can actually be avoided by eating home. Not pleasant for many, but not impossible.
The last one extends the sales tax to basically everything we purchase. This is something that none of us can avoid, not even those on state aid. Fixed income people will pay 5% more for having their car repaired and just about every good or service they need.
If you live in Maine, you might benefit by going to the site and seeing what they have to say.
The thing I missed on the site is where to join. Therefore, they either don’t want active members, or it is something that will in the future be added.
I believe that because websites that are linked to others do eventually get noticed, this post will be seen by them and they will state their intentions about having people join them. They do have a link to the editor where you can voice your opinion.
If you are interested in joining with Maine groups that are trying to get some sort of justice and accountability in our government at all levels, that site just might be a start.
I didn’t see how to join. I did see that they did have a “tea party” so my assumption is that some sort of membership is open.
I just hope they keep posting the bills as they are approved on an easily navigable site, with the necessary information on new bills, clarified when necessary. It just could be good for all citizens in Maine.