We need funding sources that reflect our values
We need to raise more floors by lowering a few ceilings
- People in Maine understand that we're all in this together. We rely on the plow drivers, volunteer firefighting forces, nurses, teachers, EMS responders, yes, but also our neighbors and everyone in the community pitching in to create an enjoyable existence for everyone. Those who have more to give are those who give more. That's your responsibility to the community.
- Voters passed in 2016 a law that would have added an extra 3% tax to earnings after $200,000 in a year to help pay for education. The legislature overturned it. I still support efforts like that to generate revenue from people who can afford it, though $200,000 is not the same as it was in 2016.
- I support an added tax on AirBnB-style rental income, for example; we need to incentivize people to rent those properties to people who need long-term housing.
- Rather than increase so-called "sin" taxes, as has already been done repeatedly, and largely burdens the already-poor, we should increase taxes on things only wealthy people can afford — and I am eager to see how the sales tax expansion to digital services pans out in 2026 and beyond.
- Ultimately, though, the juice that's available to squeeze is at the federal level — the billionaire class is hoovering so much money out of local economies that we must find ways to make the very few level the playing field for the very many.
- I do not have all the answers as to how we best generate revenue in a fair and equitable way; I am committed to learning and listening about the Maine state budget. I have been through 10 budget cycles with the school district, which has a $33m budget at this point, and have only experienced one budget rejected by voters, so I understand the needs for managing costs and living within taxpayer means.
