Tuesday, May 22, 2012
TAX OVERHAUL REPEAL FIGHT
By Ethan Wilensky-Lanford ewlanford@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
BY ETHAN WILENSKY-LANFORD
Staff Writer
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree's partner, S. Donald Sussman, has given $100,000 to the No Higher Taxes for Maine Political Action Committee.
"My investment in this campaign is just another chapter in my long love affair with Maine," he wrote in a statement. "I have spent years investing in many organizations and causes in Maine that I believe will help us build strong communities and new economic opportunities so every Maine family can thrive."
The PAC is urging vote to reject the citizen's initiative to overturn the tax reform package lawmakers passed in 2009, which will appear on the June 8 ballot.
The tax reform law currently on the books would lower the state income tax for more than 95 percent of individuals and small businesses, according to the Maine Revenue Service, while ofsetting the loss of that $75 million in revenue by expansing the sdtate sales tax to an array of products and services.
A third of the increased revenue is predicted to be paid by nonresidents.
Sussman -- founder of Greenwich, Conn.-based Paloma Partners Management Co., a hedge fund -- said the tax reform package would help draw businesses to the state.
Sussman owns a house on North Haven.
"Maine's current tax system is out of date and out of sync with today's opporunities and realities," he wrote. "We need to put more money into the hands of Maine people and capture more resources from out-of-state visitors. And that's why it's so important to defend this tax reform package."
In the past, Sussman was also a major donor toward campaigns to uphold gay marriage and protect the Dirigo Health.
Sen. David Trahan, R-Waldoboro, who has led the campaign to overturn the Legislature's tax reform package, expressed frustration at the size of Sussman's donation.
"We're working hard getting $20 at a time from small businesses and individuals affected by this law," he said. "I think Maine people need to start asking questions about one person, like a Donald Sussman, who can continue to write out big checks to influence policy in Maine."
Pingree represents the state's 1st Congressional District.
Ethan Wilensky-Lanford -- 620-7016
ewlanford@mainetoday.com
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