AUGUSTA, Maine - Republican Gov. Paul LePage is calling on residents to encourage lawmakers to support his effort to eliminate their income tax.
LePage is proposing to amend the constitution to prohibit the state, beginning in 2020, from collecting an income tax. The Taxation Committee will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Tuesday.
It would require two-thirds support in the House and Senate and voter approval.
LePage says Maine people have worked hard for their money and should get to keep it. He's proposing to cut the income tax in the current budget and wants to ensure the effort continues after he leaves office.
The Legislature's Office of Fiscal and Program Review estimates that general fund revenue would decrease by about $1.7 billion annually if the tax is eliminated.