Acting on behalf of a concerned citizen, a state representative has introduced an amendment to the Maine Constitution prohibiting any new taxes, tax hikes, or spending increases from being approved without voters’ consent.
This resolution, LD 1818, was sponsored by Rep. Steven D. Foster (R-Dexter) “by request” and cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook) and House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor).
Based on the definition of “by request” legislation shared on the Maine State Legislature’s website, this resolution may be understood as having been brought forward by Rep. Foster “as a service to [his] constituents [although he does] not fully support the purpose of the [measure].”
This three-fold amendment would require Maine voters to approve nearly any major fiscal changes passed by the State Legislature.
Under this proposal, Mainers would be asked to weigh in at the ballot box on any new taxes or tax increases passed by lawmakers.
In addition, voters would need to approve any “increase in fiscal spending or debt” before it could go into effect.
Exempt from this requirement would be spending increases equal to or less than the rate of inflation “as determined by and in accordance with a process enacted by the Legislature in statute.”
In order to go into effect, this proposed amendment would need to be approved by at least two-thirds of both the House and Senate, as well as be ratified by a majority of Maine voters at the ballot box.
A public hearing has not yet been scheduled for this bill, although the Taxation Committee can be expected to set a date for one in the near future.
Click Here for More Information on LD 1818
Another resolution currently up for consideration before the State and Local Government Committee would amend the state’s constitution to require support from at least two-thirds of lawmakers to raise Mainers’ taxes.
Given the political breakdown of the state, this measure would ensure bipartisan support for any tax hikes to take effect.
Taxes may also be increased directly by Mainers themselves through the direct initiative process.
Because this resolution seeks to amend the state’s constitution, it would, if successful, largely guarantee that its terms remain effective for the foreseeable future.
[RELATED: Bill Requiring Supermajority Approval for Any Tax Hikes on Mainers Set for Public Hearing on Monday]
“This change is vital to ensuring fiscal stability, protecting taxpayers, and maintaining Maine’s economic competitiveness,” said Rep. Rachael Henderson (R-Rumford), the resolution’s sponsor, during an April public hearing on the proposal.
“Implementing a supermajority requirement in our state constitution would serve as a safeguard against hasty or politicized tax hikes that could burden Maine families, blue collar workers, business owners, and businesses,” Rep. Henderson argued. “It would ensure that any decision to increase taxes reflects a broader consensus, balancing diverse interests and fostering long-term fiscal responsibility.”
A representative of Maine’s Department of Financial and Administrative Services (DFAS) offered testimony in opposition to this proposal, arguing that it would “restrict the Legislature’s ability to respond quickly and flexibly to revenue shortfalls, potentially jeopardizing the State’s ability to meet debt obligations.”
DFAS also suggests that implementing this threshold could “hamper the ability of the Legislature to enact important priorities and address the needs of Maine citizens.”
A work session for this bill has been scheduled for 1pm on Wednesday, May 14.
