Taxes

Because of their roles as advisors, negotiators, and spokespersons, chiefs of staff and communications staff are some of the most visible employees at the State House.  These staffers are blasted and praised on any given day, but the negative comments are usually the loudest. As the former communications director for the Senate Republicans, I was referred to as Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh, a hack and a mudslinger.

It’s all part of the job. When people agree with the issue, a chief of staff is complimented for moving the process forward and the communications team is praised for informing the public. When people disagree, a chief of staff is in the pocket of the special interests and communications directors are manipulative liars. Whether you believe these staffers improve government, are partisan spinsters, or any combination, you should know how your tax dollars are spent on their salaries.

I spent some time on The Maine Heritage Policy Center’s new open government website, which shows how taxpayer dollars are used for state employee salaries. I came across some interesting information when I looked into the chiefs of staff and communications teams.

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.

The Tax Foundation has released their 2008 Tax Freedom Day and this year the Maine State residents will stop working for the government on April 20th. Last year Maine reached Tax Freedom Day on April 24th.

The “business community,” led by Dana Connors, met today to organize a rally in support of the Governor’s no new tax pledge.

The next big battle should arrive within the week – the Governor’s “change package.” My money is on no new taxes, a few small fee changes and a massive scaling back of the welfare state.