Hancock Lumber

Kevin Hancock Encourages Mainers to Vote NO on Question #2

Vote No on #2Misleading Language on Referendum Question Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story:  Kevin Hancock Encourages Voters to Vote NO on Ballot Question #2

Ballot Question #2 asks if voters want to increase the top end of the Maine income tax by 3% to provide “direct support for student learning” in grades K-12.

While I always have a soft spot for public education, this bill concerns me for the following reasons:

  1. It would give Maine the 2nd highest state income tax rate in the nation…behind only California.
  2. This is primarily a hidden tax increase on Maine businesses, many of which are LLC’s or S-Corps. It is estimated that over 70% of the tax returns impacted by this ballot question would be local Maine businesses.   
  3. This ballot question expands the unequal distribution of funding for Maine public schools.  It is estimated that 60% of the revenue from this bill would go to less than 15% of the school districts in Maine.  Unequal funding of districts, already a problem in Maine, would get worse.
  4. This ballot question circumvents both the Maine State Legislature AND local communities, who both share responsibility for school funding decisions in Maine.
  5. This is just one more ballot question that assumes that more spending = better quality.
  6. This is just one more example of simply worded and misleading ballot questions that ignore the complexities of a big topic and take responsibility away from elected officials and local communities.

Please consider voting NO on Question #2 on November 8th!

This ballot question is opposed by both Republican Governor Paul LePage and former Democratic Governor John Baldacci.  This ballot question is also opposed by dozens of state and national trade associations including:

  • Manufacturers Association of Maine
  • Retail Association of Maine
  • Maine Tourism Association
  • Maine Hospital Association
  • National Federation of Independent Businesses
  • Associated General Contractors of Maine
  • Maine Auto Dealers Association
  • Maine State Chamber
  • Lewiston-Auburn Chamber
  • Greater Portland Chamber
  • And many more…

Thank you for considering this information.  Most importantly, thank you for voting and making your voice count! 

Kevin Signature

 

 


Kevin Hancock
President • Hancock Lumber
[email protected]

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