ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BILLS ADVANCE AFTER APPEAL

Senator Boyle’s bills to be considered by full Legislature

AUGUSTA – Four bills sponsored by Democratic Senator Jim Boyle of Gorham will be considered by the full Legislature next session.  The bills encourage charitable contributions to nonprofits, extend the certification of certain Pine Tree Development Zones, protect consumers from false advertising, and protect important aquatic habitats from gold prospecting.

“I am pleased the Legislative Council recognized the importance and urgency of these bills,” said Senator Boyle.  “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues on these very important issues.”

Senator Boyle’s bill, LR 2617 “An Act To Encourage Charitable Contributions to Nonprofits,” would exclude charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations in determining the cap for itemized deductions.  The most recent two-year budget included a $27,500 cap on charitable giving.

“Maine is already near the bottom of the country in individual and private foundation charitable giving,” said Senator Boyle.   “This cap, although well-intentioned, will further reduce charitable giving at a time when nonprofits are being asked to do more with less.  Many nonprofits serve as the last resort for our most vulnerable.  This cap hurts our communities.”

Senator Boyle’s second bill, LR 2439 “An Act To Amend the Law Concerning the Designation of Pine Tree Development Zones,” would extend the Pine Tree Development Zone programs in Cumberland and York counties. Pine Tree Development Zones offer businesses the opportunity to significantly reduce their share of state taxes when they create new jobs in certain business sectors like biotechnology and manufacturing.

“Pine Tree Development Zones are crucial for building, expanding, and strengthening business in Maine,” said Senator Boyle.  “We cannot let the opportunity to continue creating jobs in developing industries slip through our fingers in Cumberland and York counties. This bill is an emergency because the current incentives expire on December 31, 2013.”

Senator Boyle’s third bill, LR 2640 “An Act To Amend the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act,” would amend current law to prohibit the posting of false online reviews, whether negative or positive.

“Consumers depend on reviews to make their shopping decisions.  We must make sure they aren’t relying on false advertising,” said Senator Boyle.

Senator Boyle’s fourth bill, LR 2434 “An Act To Protect Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout Spawning Habitat from Motorized Recreational Gold Prospecting,” would prevent motorized gold prospecting in certain stream segments that contain Atlantic salmon and brook trout.

“This is a common sense bill that maintains an important balance between prospecting and maintaining the health of our fisheries,” said Senator Boyle.

For the second regular session of the Legislature, bills that go before the entire Legislature must first be approved by the Legislative Council, a committee comprised of the ten legislative leaders. The Legislative Council met last month and approved just over 100 bills out or more than 400 proposals.

The panel met today to hear appeals by lawmakers’ whose bills were not initially approved, and approved additional bills, including Senator Boyle’s measures.

The full legislature will reconvene in January 2014.

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