Gov. Mills signs Senator Chipman bill to support Central Labor Councils

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, July 8, a bill from Senator Ben Chipman, D-Portland, to support labor councils became law. LD 198, “An Act To Improve Maine’s Tax Laws by Providing a Property Tax Exemption for Central Labor Councils,” was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills.

“Central Labor Councils are civic-minded institutions, greatly important in their communities,” said Chipman. “Currently, Chambers of Commerce, fraternal organizations and trade boards receive a property tax exemption. If organizations advocating for business communities benefit, then so should the organizations formed by workers to support workers. This is a simple change to help level the playing field.”

This law amends Maine’s tax laws by extending tax exempt statute to the real estate and personal property owned and occupied by central labor councils.

“Central Labor Councils play an important role in improving the lives of working families,” said Adam Goode, Legislative and Political Director of the Maine AFL-CIO. “In Maine, there are four such councils. One of them, the Eastern Maine Labor Council (EMLC), has a physical structure and currently pays property tax. We think it is only fair that the organization that helps laid off workers, provides food for families in need and serves working people have access to the same treatment in taxes that the business community has.”

The law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

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