SENATE REJECTS TABOR 3.0 BILL

AUGUSTA – In a 21-13 vote, the Senate rejected Governor LePage’s attempt to resuscitate TABOR. Maine voters previously rejected TABOR proposals on the ballot in 2006 and 2009.

“Interestingly, there were no supporters of this bill at the public hearing. Maine people have already rejected TABOR twice, and it seems they still do not support it,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Anne Haskell of Portland, the Senate Chair of the Taxation Committee. “The voters can best let us know if they think we are spending their money appropriately when they cast their ballots on Election Day.”

The measure would create a ballot referendum question to reduce the state budget by $100 million.

Last month, the Legislature overwhelmingly approved a budget bill to close a $40 million gap in fiscal year 2014 and a $18 million gap in fiscal year 2015. Governor LePage has not yet taken action on the budget bill.

“Governor LePage abdicated his responsibility and refused to work with the Appropriations Committee to craft a budget,” said Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash. “At this point, he has two choices: he can sign the Legislature’s budget bill, or he can veto it. This TABOR 3.0 bill isn’t a solution, or even a serious proposal. It’s just another gimmick coming from Governor LePage.

The bill, LD 1813, “An Act To Hold an Advisory Referendum on Tax Reform,” will now be sent to the House.

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