Dirigo

People's Veto update:  “they had a meeting -- they exchanged emails -- they agreed to meet again.”

Cianchette commits to free trade, reducing narcotic supply and re-learning Spanish in confirmation hearing for ambassador post

Beer tax rebellion in the making?

Martin criticizes KJ’s attack on Dirigo plan

Portland legislative candidate debate

The Kennebec Journal wrote an editorial today criticizing Democrats in the Legislature for adding in new beer and wine taxes late at night without a public hearing.

Tuesday night, lawmakers approved a $0.54 per gallon tax on beer, $0.65 per gallon tax on wine, $0.42 per gallon tax on soda to pay for the hurting Dirigo health care program. Click here for the KJ’s coverage.

The editorial stated: “There may very well have been strong arguments to be made about the need for sin taxes…. But sadly, those arguments were never made in a public forum. The public couldn't respond to the proposal. And the result was a last-minute tax increase foisted on Maine consumers.”

At the end of the editorial, they suggested that a taxpayer rebellion could be on the way.

Now that the Legislature has increased taxes on Maine staples like Moxie and Bud, it appears that the beverage lobby is getting ready for drastic measures.

First it was Senator Bill Diamond, then John Nutting and now Senator Nancy Sullivan has decided to test the waters in the “one vote makes a difference” side show that has plagued the 18-17 Senate.