Maine’s Revenue Sharing Increase Cuts Taxes For Working Families.

As the cost of living rises in Maine and across the country, we’re thankful that our state lawmakers have been fighting to help working families support themselves.

Our leaders in Augusta have expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low and moderate-income families; closed the dark store assessment loophole so big box stores pay their fair share of taxes; and they have expanded revenue-sharing to improve essential municipal services like public education and public safety while bringing down property taxes across the state.

For the first time in 13 years, Maine municipalities are expected to receive more than $233 million for fiscal year 2023 as part of the state’s revenue sharing program. That amount represents a 5% share of state revenues collected from sales, personal and corporate income taxes, which will go back to Maine cities and towns. Municipal budgets are largely funded through property taxes, so any additional funding from the state reduces the amount of property taxes our cities and towns need to collect.

The funding demonstrates a steady uptick since 2020, when revenue sharing stood at just 2%. As Governor Mills recently said:

“This is not only basic good governance, but it is an important source of funding for cities and towns that helps deliver all manner of municipal services, like EMS or education, and holds down property tax increases that can hurt older people on fixed incomes.”

Mainers For Working Families welcomes this news from our leaders in Augusta. We applaud Governor Mills and our legislators for increasing Maine’s revenue sharing and continuing to build a fairer tax system for Maine’s working families.

Nov. 8th Absentee Ballots Now Available

Here in Maine, we pride ourselves on having one of the country’s most voter-friendly election systems. From ranked-choice voting to no-excuse absentee voting, Maine voters have many ways to effectively engage in our democracy on their own terms.

With the November 8th midterm elections less than two months away, Mainers now have the opportunity to make their voices heard. That includes requesting an absentee ballot.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

You can request a ballot on the Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions website. Ballots must be returned via mail or in person to your municipal clerk’s office no later than 8 pm on Election Day.

Are there accessible absentee options for voters with disabilities?

Yes, if you have a disability that keeps you from being able to fill out a paper ballot, you have the option to request an accessible absentee ballot that can be delivered electronically. For more information on how this service works, as well as a practice ballot, go to the Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions website.

When does early voting begin?

Between October 11 and November 3, you can vote early by absentee ballot at your town clerk’s office.

Where can I learn more about who’s on my ballot?

Maine.gov has a helpful voter information lookup system. By providing your address, this system can tell you information on your voting districts and polling place, your elected officials, and provide you with a sample ballot.

It’s never been easier to vote in Maine, so make sure you get out and vote this fall!

A Statewide Paid Family Leave Policy Is the Rainy Day Fund Mainers Need.

Without the flexibility to take time off from work, navigating family care needs can be nearly impossible.

Unexpected challenges at home quickly become more stressful when working Mainers have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a sick family member or addressing their own serious medical and mental health needs.

What we need is a rainy day fund that Mainers can use when these challenges arise. That’s what a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program would be. It would ensure people have an extended period of paid time off to care for a new child or a sick family member.

Thankfully policymakers in 2021 worked to establish a commission to help develop a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program. For over a year, members of the Commission on Paid Family and Medical Leave — made up of bipartisan legislators from both chambers, corporate and small business representatives, and health and labor experts — have been working together to develop a PFML program that is unique and attuned to Maine’s needs.

The group will provide its recommendations for consideration in the 2023 legislative session. That means that next year, our lawmakers will have the chance to enact a PFML program to help Maine workers support themselves when the unexpected happens.

It's never been clearer how important paid leave is for keeping our families, communities, and workplaces healthy and strong. Mainers For Working Families urges our leaders in Augusta to deliver a comprehensive PFML program for working Mainers.

No one deserves to miss out on a paycheck because they need to take time off for themselves or their families. Maine’s working families have made themselves clear: the time to deliver a comprehensive, easily accessible Paid Family and Medical Leave program is now.

Learn more about Paid Family Medical Leave in Maine here.