AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) is releasing the following statement in opposition to LD 327, An Act To Return Surplus Money to Maine Taxpayers.
MECEP Director of Policy and Research Sarah Austin says:
“COVID-19 has supercharged inequality and concentrated wealth. As the pandemic deals a devastating blow to the wellbeing and security of families, workers, and communities across the country, the profits of large corporations and income of the richest Mainers continue to grow. The revenue created by staggering increases in profits for those at the top is significant. We now have a choice — cut checks to everyone, including those whose income has skyrocketed during the pandemic, or choose to get our economy back on track by making investments in removing barriers to success facing workers, families, and small businesses across the state.
When we pool our resources through our tax code, we can solve problems that stand in the way of our shared prosperity. Blanket giveaways of revenues as proposed in this bill dismiss the unequal footing Maine families and businesses have in the economy and fail to address the specific problems that hold some people and communities back from success.
It’s important for lawmakers to meet the immediate needs of people struggling with higher costs for fuel, food, and essentials, while also investing in improvements to child care, elder care, paid time off, and education which are necessary to empower Maine’s workforce. The choice is ours to fund a better future for all Maine people.”
###
CONTACT
Dan D’Ippolito
dan@mecep.org
207.620.1101
