Tax Reform Near Death in Augusta ; State House: If Anything, Legislators May Raise Some Taxes to Avoid Having to Borrow $450 Million.

Summary

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The push for major reform of Maine's sales and income tax laws is all but dead in the Legislature, and at least one prominent Democrat says the overhaul more likely will occur in small steps over a period of years. But if lawmakers do decide to tinker with state taxes before going home this month, most say it will be to find ways to raise more money, not to redesign the system.

That stands in sharp contrast to the situation a few weeks ago, when lawmakers and Gov. John Baldacci were trying to build support for competing tax-reform plans, some of which promised tax cuts or a fairer mix of revenues.

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Extract

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Tax Reform Near Death in Augusta ; State House: If Anything, Legislators May Raise Some Taxes to Avoid Having to Borrow $450 Million.

The focus now is on three more immediate issues: passing the second part of the state budget; replacing a controversial $450 million borrowing plan that was included in the first part of the budget; and possibly ...

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