Maine voters to decide tax on wealthy to support schools

AUGUSTA (AP) — A question on the November ballot will ask voters to approve a 3 percent tax on the well-off to support a public education fund for Maine teachers and students.

Supporters of the proposal say it would raise more than $150 million for the state’s schools. They say it ensures that Maine will fund 55 percent of the K-12 education costs as required by a 2004 voter referendum that passed but the state never fulfilled.

“I think voters are frustrated that politicians in Augusta have not prioritized funding our schools and at the same time, have given large tax breaks to the wealthiest Mainers,” said John Kosinski, a Maine Education Association spokesman and Question 2 campaign manager.

Critics of the plan to tax those making more than $200,000 say it may be well-intentioned but is flawed. Former Maine Education Commissioner Jim Rier and others argue the tax may actually exacerbate inequities between rich and poor communities.

Read more: http://www.journaltribune.com/news/2016-10-27/State%7CRegional/Maine_voters_to_decide_tax_on_wealthy_to_support_s.html