MSBA Legislative Update 04-03-09

TAX REFORM HAS LARGE TURN-OUT

LD 1088, an omnibus tax reform proposal which, has been strongly supported by Rep. John Piotti (D-Unity) and others who are seeking to lower the State’s income tax rate and export some of the tax burden to non-Mainers, had an overflow crowd this week at its public hearing. Many people turned out to share their concerns before the Taxation Committee regarding the proposal. Urging the Committee during this difficult economy to provide tax relief and less state spending was a theme echoed by many. The Maine Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Merchants Association, and Small Business all opposed the bill as written. While others such as the Portland Chamber and the Androscoggin Chamber spoke in favor of LD 1088, with some reservations.

The Maine tourism industry expressed its opposition to the proposed increase in the meals and lodging tax, arguing that Mainers would be paying a large percentage of this tax increase and not all of it would be exported.

The Taxation Committee has scheduled work sessions on LD 1088 starting the week of April 6, and there have been a number of other tax reform bills recently introduced. It is clear that, once again, proposals to change Maine’s tax structure will be a touch-point of deliberations during this legislative session.

UPCOMING ISSUES

LD 323 (transparency in health insurance market) – Public Hearing April 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 427 of the State House.
LD 567 (victims of domestic violence) – Work Session April 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 436 of the State House.
LD 615 (appraisal in eminent domain) – Work Session April 9, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 438 of the State House.
LD 962 (protect family care givers) – Public Hearing April 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 438 of the State House.
LD 1039 (advance directives) – Public Hearing April 7, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 438 of the State House.
LD 1205 (health care bill of rights) – Public Hearing April 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 427 of the State House.
LD 1268 (site location) – Public Hearing April 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 214 of the Cross Office Building.
LD 1333 (climate and energy in site law) – Public Hearing April 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 214 of the Cross Office Building.
LD 1365 (single payor healthcare system) – Public Hearing April 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 427 of the State House.

For the status of other issues of interest, please review the linked Legislative Database.

LEGISLATIVE DATABASE

An updated Legislative Database is linked to this Weekly Report for your information. It contains any newly introduced bills that we have identified of interest to the MSBA, along with updated status listings of previously introduced bills.

Click here for your Legislative Database.

Click here for a text document of this report.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions:
Pattie Aho at 207-622-6311 or paho@pierceatwood.com