Maine GOP Considers Peoples Veto of Democrat Massive Sales Tax Hike

Bob has it ABSOLUTLY CORRECT....

Those collecting a check from the gov. , be it teachers gov. employees or SS recieptients welfare , non-profits , ect. , ect. , for the most part will NEVER vote Republican...

I've talked to fellow workers and business owners who B&M about taxes but still vote D because they say there is no difference between the parties anyway and the D has been to their house 3 times and is a nice guy and tells them what they want to hear and doesn't know or has even seen the R...Which of course is why Dems always want and get a few R's to go along with their schemes to give them cover...It has to stop...There has to be A CLEAR difference and Republicans need to get out and pound on doors and I don't mean just in the cities and up scale neighborhoods either or things will never change...

Good luck with your petition..I will sign it but it will never fly...Just like TABOR....

Ok...deep breath.

The reason the republican party has failed so miserably in the last 30 plus years is in evidence by the exact arguments presented by "Bob is right" folks. For years, republicans have pointed their fingers, and talked down to the working mainer spewing facts and figures. Sure, those facts and figures were right or close to it. But talking down (Here's an example...."sure, a 20 % saving looks nice, but we need more information, if it's just not paving a road....")

We have an opportunity here to galvanize a grass roots movement and energize the republican party. This is a message we can craft to not just tug, but yank the emotional cord of voters across party lines. That new slogan, working people vote republican is just words...but those words can start a movement.

Bob, your discouraged because of the past..past experiences. Perhaps it was the message....facts and figures, facts and figures. You know what Bob, perception is reality....

I like my perception a lot better than you like yours. I will get involved...I am thinking of running once again. All I am asking Bob, is take a deep breath...look at the picture presented in front of you with fresh eyes...not the eyes of 30 years of the same republican politics....never mind past history, look forward.

Charlie Webster's job is to get Republicans elected. Referendums aren't for political parties.

Webster shouldn't drain the resources of the party pursuing one particular issue. That is the job of the legislators he works to elect.

Woodman...I agree. But, just maybe supporting, and working in conjunction with a referendum question like this, where one could use the republican values of smaller government, less taxes....get the bill overturned and in the swell of support, gain more seats, that just might work.

But no, let's continue down the same path and scratch our heads as democrats continue to hold and increase seats. Perfect....
'Thank you sir, may I have another!'

There is a big difference between supporting and working for a people's veto and the party taking on the project itself.

I agree, that if a group comes forward to push a veto, the party should endorse and help with the effort.

I think it would be a disaster for the party to take on the project as the lead group.

I could live with that...at least to start...lol (Tip of the hat)

Now let's all join in the corner and sing Kumbaya together!

I agree with Naran why not do both. Would it be possible to solicit business for financial support as well as letting them know who is responsible for these new taxes? Either way Republicans do have an opportunity that should not be wasted. Since some Mainers do not even pay income tax these are the folks who will be hit hardest. This is a hard thing for the Democrats to put a spin on.

Hard to spin? I don't think so. Here's some of what they're saying already:

"State Rep. John Piotti deserves a medal, or at least an enthusiastic "Attaboy!" from all Mainers concerned about the direction of our economy." http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=261857&ac=PHbiz

"New tax code package moves in right direction
Even though it doesn't control spending, it makes sense to redistribute the tax burden. " http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=261900&ac=PHedi

http://www.notthisnotnow.com/thelist.html

The best list I've found for what has been enslaved by our legislators and media head bobbers

Editor's Note: Download this 20-second soundbyte, courtesy MPBN, and email to everyone you know. It's the sound of Maine Democrats - CHEERING! - over Gov. Baldacci's signing of this huge sales tax increase. CHEERING! Spread the word.

Click to Listen or Download
http://www.asmainegoes.com/audio/demstaxhike.mp3 (20-seconds)

"The best list I've found for what has been enslaved by our legislators and media head bobbers"

That is not the latest list. That appears to be LD 1088.

Well enquiring minds want to know, where is a current list, are professional services taxed, I can't seem to get a straight account from the media. It would be nice to know what the hell the thieves just passed

Maine GOP chief eyes people's veto
June 16, 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine --Maine Republican Party Chairman Charles Webster says he's ready to take a first step toward overturning parts of the state's recently enacted tax code overhaul.

Webster said...it's not clear yet what sort of coalition, if any, would line up to participate in such a referendum campaign.

Webster said a people's veto would not seek to undo a reduction in the top state income tax rate.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2009/06/16/maine_gop_chi...

Bad idea. Political A.D.D.

1. Stick to knitting, as in "getting GOP legislators who won't cave in to the bi-partisanship call" elected.
2. If he "wins", we go from "high taxes" to "high taxes" in Maine.

hmmmmm.......i believe I could find a similar post from you Bob, from what year, say, 2005? getting republicans elected is the basis here....Dan stepped off the podium, do you need a hand down? that way, your same old message with facts and figures to "Maine voters just don't get it"...at least won't have a finger pointed down.

or...maybe...we could try SOMETHING NEW....

just a thought....

At about 7:40 a.m. today, Maine GOP chair Charlie Webster told WVOM he will file papers today to enable the collecting of signatures to repeal this Democrat broadening of the sales tax. Charlie said he will know by the end of this week if the Maine GOP will go ahead with the Peoples Veto.

skf

Click Here to Listen
http://www.asmainegoes.com/audio/091706webster.mp3

Bob Stone , once again a perfect analysis of the Lewiston voting system. While trying to just get signatures to be on the ballot for city council last year I encountered many seniors who would not sign for anyone other than a democrat. How's that for progressive thinking?

As to the Phrase Working People vote Republican - it's not going to work...you're better to go the other way and say "Real Working People DOn't Vote For Democrats"....Next year is looking quite promising to make a run for the state house!

There is significant value in having the MEGOP get involved in this effort. Depending on how this process is managed, it could be extremely beneficial to collect signatures and get this issue on the ballot.

So again, against democracy when it's inconvenient. No doubt if there was a Republican legislature you'd be shouting "People's Veto" after every bill was passed.

The Maine constitution includes this provision, so you're the one who has to "live with it". That means it's a right of the people. Are you in favor of revoking this right, laMaine? I thought you were all in favor of expanding rights. Or is that only when it's convenient, too?

Wow - this is scary.... I knew that quote was from Lamisery even before I checked to make sure.

This is going to be a tricky one for a campaign. A people's veto would also veto an income tax cut that will benefit everyone making less than $250,000. Since the Maine revenue service says that this bill is an overall "winner" for Maine people, a veto is the equivalent of a tax increase unless you can prove otherwise. You can't count on the business community, either, since the Portland Chamber of Commerce supported the tax bill. I hope the party is thinking strategically on this one.

In the middle, middle of what exactly?....

The Maine Revenue Service? The Maine Revenue Service says this is a "winner"? OF COURSE IT DOES!!!!

Ohhhh, the Portland Chamber of Commerce endorses it....this is the same chamber that listens to it's members when???

Looks to me like food servers will see a net decrease in their pay from tips. Where I work an average lunch bill for 4 is $40.00. Add 7% that would be $42.80. Most folks leave $50.00 which leaves a $7.20 for gratuity. If it is an 8.5% tax that brings the same bill to $43.40. Those same folks will leave $50.00 making it a $6.60 gratuity. Basically if I have $500.00 dollars in sales I will see a decrease of $7.50 in tips.
Add that up with all the new service charges I not only think I am going to take a pasting, but I think my average customers, who are retired, will have less disposable income and will decrease thier visits due to the increased tax burdens imposed by the state.
I'm no rocket scientist, but anyone with half a brain should be able to figure out that this is not tax relief, it is bait and switch with the majority party once again peeing down my back and tell me it's raining.

Beth you poor deluded cynic!!!!!! Can't you see the success of the increased tobacco tax????Or how Maine's progressive tax programs have attracted new business to Maine or that with our low sales taxes there seems to be a constant stream of NH residents coming to Maine to shop ????
Shame on you for doubting the wisdom of the folks in Augusta !!!!
Seriuosly those morons just don't get it.........

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:56:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: Maine Republican Party
Subject: News from Maine Republican Party

To: Interested Republicans
From: Charlie Webster, Chairman Maine Republican Party

I am writing to you today to notify you that I have submitted a petition to the Maine Secretary of State's office to initiate a citizen's veto of LD 1495, Legislation which would rewrite Maine's income tax statute and expand Maine's sales tax law.

I have been working over the last several days with a number of concerned citizen's groups and members of the business community who share the Maine GOP's opinion that this legislation should be repealed because its final enactment would be harmful to Maine's business/job climate, and Maine's working people. I agree with many of them that although this will be a difficult undertaking, it is a challenge that we must attempt as we seek to represent the views of Maine Republicans and Maine's working people.

This legislation would expand the sales tax on a variety of items including, meals and lodging, automobile/snowmobile/lawn mower/motorcycle labor repairs. It would also add a 5% tax on out of state phone calls and increase the sales tax on most candy from 5% to 8 ∏%. 

This legislation does far more than the above and frankly could very well be the most regressive law passed in Maine history. 

At a time when Maine's working people are struggling to survive, our citizens are facing difficulties paying their mortgages and, Maine's small businesses are being forced to lay off employees the Democrat majority in the Maine State Legislature has passed this new expanded tax on Maine's poorest citizens.  

I am writing this message to you to ask those of you interested in participating in the petition drive process to contact the Maine GOP to let us know of your willingness to help. If you would be willing to even gather five to ten signatures on our behalf it would be very helpful as we work to collect the necessary 60,000 signatures. 

I believe through our grassroots organization and with the support of the coalition currently being created we will be able to collect the necessary signatures to repeal this legislation. 

Please feel free to contact Michelle at michelle@mainegop.com or call 622-6247 if you feel you can be of assistance in our efforts.

Our goal is to gather the necessary signatures by August 7th.

Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
phone: (207) 622-6247
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This plan makes no sense to this writer.

1. Income taxes are a major impediment to economic prosperity in any state.

2. I thought the Maine GOP has worked for years to reduce the state income tax? Now, they are trying to repeal a decrease?

3. First, they are going to leave the income tax cut in place. Then, they are not. The gang that couldn't shoot straight comes immediately to mind. They look foolish.

We Maine citizens suffer enough with the Democrat socialists in charge. Now we have to endure the trials and tribulations of a rudderless opposition.

Fine Robert....

Let's keep the income tax decrease...."cause we're scared of the big, bad, democratic machine" even though we know it is a cover for a huge tax increase...

I am sick of it, you are right. For over 30 years the republican party here in Maine has sat on the ropes playing defense....yeah, that's worked well. We need to go on offense, create a message that swells with emotion, not facts and figures, and go for it.
We have nothing to lose Bob, we are already at the bottom!!!!

You retired/resigned from the party after being against the ropes and not being able to figure out how not to stop the pounding. You can't back up an opponent with your gloves covering your face.

Now, you sit back in your easy chair with an ice pack, it's been tough taking a beating for so long.

Beth, I'm guessing that your tips will increase! When I figure a tip, I figure it on the whole bill (including the tax). 20% tip on a higher bill will mean a bigger tip for you. Enjoy your new money.

I never tip on tax. I also have to be VERY happy to tip 20%.

In The Middle, I beg to difffer. Myself and every other server I know has already seen a decrease in gratuitys due to the poor economic conditions. When ever the gas prices go up servers are effected as well. When our prices go up due to the rate of inflation we also see a decrease. In the past I always garnished a minimum of 20% on my sales and my average was actually about 23%...I am very good at what I do and I truly enjoy people. I have watched in the past year the same customers leave less money. My average now is about 18% and as economic conditions decline I expect not only will that number fall, but I expect the number of customers to decline as well.

I can only wish that most customers were like you, however that is not the case.