Question four is a hotly contested ballot item right now. It has to do with cutting property taxes in Maine.Off-duty Bangor professional fire fighters went door to door yesterday and today, making sure folks get out and vote on November third.
News & Blog
'No' to TABOR II
As a resident of the Mid-coast area who understands the necessity for strategic state investment to create the infrastructure needed to support economic development, I would like to voice my opposition to TABOR II.
Read more »TABOR II bad for Maine
Sometimes you have to cut through the noise to get close to the truth. There has been a lot of noise around Question 4, TABOR II. Numbers, statistics and data have been tossed around by both sides. But it was The Economist, a well-respected financial magazine, that really brought things into focus recently for me.
Read more »Question 4 holds risks for schools
Education is at stake in Maine. We are less than a week away from Election Day and a crucial decision is at hand on Question 4, which is also known as TABOR II.
Read more »Campaign myths obscure real issues in next week's vote
The Maine referendum campaigns are winding down. Like most political campaigns, they have spawned political commercials and claims that are misleading or downright untrue.
Read more »No way to save
Maine voters have already spoken loud and clear on TABOR, two times, and it was defeated two times. Why don't its proponents get the message?
Read more »2 questions will lead to cuts of vital local services
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, please vote "no" on Questions 2 and 4. Don't be fooled by the out-of-state interests that want to make Maine an experiment in their grand scheme to destroy our tradition of local control and Maine values.
Read more »One- two punch
If Questions 2 and 4 pass, it will be a one-two punch against our roads.
Read more »Down in poll, TABOR NOW cries foul
For every dollar the opposition has raised, they've attracted less than a dime.Poll numbers that once showed them comfortably on top have suddenly (and predictably) started to tank. And alas, the statewide referendum on Maine's new and (not so) improved Taxpayer Bill of Rights is now less than a week away. All of which can mean only one thing for the never-say-die folks at TABOR NOW.
It's temper-tantrum time.
Read more »'Yes' on Questions 2, 4 will hurt all Maine citizens
I'm really tired of people trying to gut my home state of all the things that make it a place I like to call home.I'll be voting "no" on Nov. 3 on both Questions 2 and 4.
Read more »Value legacy of Bangor sidewalks
A close look at our sidewalks and an appreciation of the growth pattern of trees illustrates the effect that TABOR II will have on Bangor.
Read more »SAD 35, Eliot vote against Maine TABOR, tax questions
ELIOT, Maine — Both SAD 35 and the Town of Eliot voted unanimously this month to oppose November ballot questions — the automobile excise tax reduction referendum (Question 2) and the TABOR II referendum (Question 4) — because of concerns that the measures would seriously harm their budgets, reduce services or cause local property taxes to increase.
Read more »Question 4's spending limits to have major impact on schools
AUGUSTA — Supporters of Question 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot, known as TABOR II, say that it will have no adverse effect on children's education.
Read more »Keep democracy strong
TABOR is back again.
The impact of passing Question 4 would be even worse this time. The math formula in TABOR will be set to a low recession level. School budgets have already been cut by millions and even more cuts are on the way.
Read more »'No' on 4: TABOR would limit choices
TABOR is back again.
The impact of passing Question 4 would be even worse this time. The math formula in TABOR will be set to a low recession level. School budgets have already been cut by millions and even more cuts are on the way.
Read more »Keep education strong
I am voting "no" on Question 4, again.
Yes, the same old question is back once more. TABOR was voted down twice before by the citizens of Maine, and yet it is back once more.
Read more »TABOR risks future of our kids
Shame on you, Sun Journal. I am greatly disappointed that my hometown newspaper would take an irresponsible position on Question 4.
Read more »Question 4 would 'stymie every level of government'
Maine voters should be mindful of the reality underlying the language of Question 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot. The question reads: "An Act to Provide Tax Relief -- Do you want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending and require voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes?"
Read more »Government by referendum is no substitute for democratic process
The posters for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, Question 4 on this year's ballot, carry the slogan, "You decide!"
The promise is that by passing strict limitations on state and local government spending and requiring a referendum for every tax increase or a spending hike that exceeds a combination of inflation plus population growth, Mainers would be given more say in how their state is governed.
But really, the opposite is true.
Read more »'No' on 4: TABOR would limit choices
Government by formula or referendum is no substitute for representative democracy.
Read more »TABOR's not a solution
Question 4 on the ballot in November is one of great concern to me as a taxpayer, parent, teacher, and Maine citizen.
Read more »TABOR was crippling, now irresponsible
This is response to the editorial of Oct. 18, "Question 4: The time for TABOR."
In their efforts to provide for public safety, Maine's first responders are always evolving to the threats facing our communities. For those in law enforcement, it's not the crime that changes; it's the person and the way they perpetrate it that changes.
Read more »Council passes anti-TABOR II, excise tax initiative resolutions
On Tuesday evening, the Gray Town Council took an official stance and voted unanimously to accept two resolutions against Questions 2 and 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot, the excise tax reduction, and taxpayer's bill of rights, respectively.
Read more »Bangor chamber speaks out on ballot questions
Directors of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to oppose two questions on the Nov. 3 ballot that they deem bad for business.
The board voted overwhelmingly to oppose Question 2, which proposes reducing excise taxes by half, and Question 4, the TABOR II tax and spending cap, according to the Bangor Daily News.
Read more »Give LD 1 a chance to prove its worth: Vote "no" on TABOR.
With the emergence of yet another TABOR debate and vote, I bet many Mainers don't realize that a Tax and Expenditures Limit law (TEL) is in effect. It's called LD 1 and it was enacted by the Legislature in January 2005.
Read more »No on Question 4
Do you want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending and require voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes?
Read more »Panelists blast TABOR II at UM forum
The dangers of TABOR II for Maine was the topic of a forum at the University of Maine yesterday, where six panelists explained why they believe Question 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot will mean reduced state services and increased fees for all Mainers and have a debilitating effect on the state’s economy.
Read more »Letter to the Editor: State spending limits
A recent letter about Question 4 stated that “Question 4 is our best chance to increase the number of young people in Maine and to attract new opportunities for success.” I fail to see how a proven failure of fiscal policy would help Maine’s economy and bring “new opportunities for success.”
Read more »Orono council opposes two tax items on ballot
ORONO, Maine — Lianne Harris knows that, should voters pass Question 2 next month, she probably would end up with some money in her pocket. But that doesn’t mean Harris, an Orono town councilor, likes the statewide referendum to reduce motor vehicle taxes on some cars.
Read more »TABOR II would 'harm women and families'
TABOR II -- Question 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot -- imposes tight restrictions on expenditures for the broad range of state and local services that help support Maine's economy and quality of life.
Read more »TABOR: Not healthy for Maine or Mainers
Three years ago, in the name of education, transportation, public health and common good, the public voted down TABOR. It is important to remember why we voted this way three years ago, because things such as a strong public infrastructure that supports the needs of communities have not changed.
Read more »Low-profile TABOR II campaign could surprise on Election Day
Back in 2003, Maine voters delivered a split decision that had analysts scratching their heads.
The same group of people went to the polls and soundly rejected a casino proposed for Sanford, and approved the introduction of slot-machine gambling at harness racing tracks, leading to the creation of Hollywood Slots in Bangor.
Read more »TABOR smackdown
THERE'S nothing like a good think-tank grudge match. Over the past month the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has gotten itself into a spat with the Maine Heritage Policy Center over the advisability of Maine's TABOR ("Taxpayer Bill of Rights") referendum.
Read more »Lettter to the Editor: Please oppose TABOR's spending limitation initiative
Imagine having to shop at the grocery store but being allowed to use only the amount you used to spend 10 or 20 years ago. You would probably get a lot less food, maybe forgoing healthy choices for cheaper, less nutritious processed products. You'd be hungry a lot and feel frustrated that you could not increase your spending to meet the inevitable yearly price increases. Sound unappealing?
Read more »TABOR-forced cuts would hurt Maine a lot more than they would help
BRUNSWICK — Hey Angus, how do you feel about TABOR II?
When I first heard about it, I wanted to support it – I know firsthand how hard it is to control budgets in Augusta and thought maybe some outside discipline is what we need. The concept seems simple, and it made some sense.
Read more »TABOR Has Hampered Economic Growth and Reduced Quality of Life in Colorado
On October 12, the Maine Heritage Policy Center released a report that touted Colorado’s prosperity and claimed that its prosperity was the result of TABOR – ostensibly “refuting” the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities work showing that TABOR has been detrimental to Colorado. (Question 4, a TABOR nearly identical to Colorado’s, is on the ballot this November in Maine.)
The Maine Heritage report is misleading in several respects, both on data about the Colorado economy relative to Maine’s, and with respect to the quality of life in Colorado.
End Notes:
[1] See Karen Lyons and Nicholas Johnson, “Education and Investment, Not TABOR, Fueled Colorado's Economic Growth in 1990s,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, March 2006 and “Fact Sheet: TABOR Will Not Improve Maine’s Business Climate,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, October 2009.
[2] See Therese J. McGuire and Kim S. Rueben, “The Colorado Revenue Limit: The Economic Effects of TABOR,” Economic Policy Institute, March 2006, http://www.epi.org/publications/entry/bp172/.
[3] Based on 2008 data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey.
[4] Sara Rosenbaum and Paul Wise, Crossing The Medicaid–Private Insurance Divide: The Case Of EPSDT, Health Affairs 26:2 (March-April 2007) pp. 382-393.
[5] National Center for Education Statistics, 2008 tables and figures, Table 66. Data is for 2006.
[6] For a brief review of the literature see http://www.aft.org/topics/classsize/
[7] Congressional Quarterly, State Fact Finder, 2007.
The Daily Sun looks at the Nov. 3 ballot questions
With less than three weeks to go before the Nov. 3 election, Maine voters are being asked to ponder issues ranging from gay marriage to funding medical helicopter services, with seven ballot questions rattling a variety of civic cages.
Read more »Red tape entanglement
If TABOR II were to pass, every single time Maine citizens want to exceed stringent spending limits at the municipal, county or state level, referendum voter approval would be required.
Read more »Bangor Fire Fighters Go Door to Door
Leeds officials oppose TABOR II
Leeds Selectmen signed resolutions Wednesday in opposition of two ballot initiatives: the so-called TABOR II, An Act to Provide Tax Relief, and An Act to Decrease the Automobile Excise Tax and Promote Energy Efficiency.
Read more »TABOR proposal a bad deal for Maine's Seniors
In Maine, we love our pie. Generations of Mainers have been comforted and soothed by pie of every sort — blueberry pie, pork pie, graham cracker pie, and of course, the whoopie pie. No matter how bad things get, Mainers know there will always be pie. However, in AARP’s view, Question 4 (TABOR II) poses a clear and present threat to Maine’s budgetary pie.
Read more »TABOR Text Poll Tracker Results
Our Text Poll Tracker results from Thursday find that 63 percent of respondents are voting "no" on Question 4, asking whether Mainers want a so-called "Taxpayer Bill of Rights," or TABOR.
Read more »Tax cap, excise cut would harm traditional local government
Two items on the Nov. 3 ballot aim directly at undermining Maine's historic system of local government.Presented as two separate issues, they are closely linked and could virtually require a cut in local spending. They are Question 2, which would cut the excise tax charged on automobiles by cities and town, and Question 4, which is aimed at preventing tax increases.
Read more »School Board, Town Council resolutions oppose excise tax, TABOR II state referendums
Cape Elizabeth officials are urging a "No" vote on two initiatives that could severely hamper the town's ability to deliver municipal and educational services.
Read more »Opponents Of Tabor Say Public Safety Is At Risk
Those fighting for a no vote on question four say if the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR, is approved, public safety could be put in jeopardy.
Read more »"No On Tabor" Sounds Off At Statewide Press Conferences
Mainers will decide the matter in November, it's Qestion 4 on the ballot. A group opposing the Tabor 2 initiative held three seperate press conferences today to voice their concerns. The events were in Portland, Lewiston, and one here in Bangor.
Read more »Guest Editorial: Think twice about tax initiatives
Read more »
Don't Vote for TABOR II
When asked, I have certainly stated my opinion. But, as a former
teacher and current school board member, I am convinced
that TABOR II is the worst possible idea for Scarborough
citizens, students and teachers.
For economic security, vote No on Question 4
If question 4 on TABOR seems like déjà vu – it is. And if the people’s enthusiasm for ballot initiatives is waning, imagine what it will be like if TABOR II is passed – campaign after campaign, vote after vote, on every spending decision state and local governments try to make to bring Maine out of this recession and back to economic equilibrium.
TABOR is not the answer for Maine
Moms tend to know best, and it's generally because of the lessons they have learned from experience. Wisdom my Mom instilled in me that I have since passed to my four children says this: that many times, things aren't what they seem and what looks like a good deal can end up costing you in the end.
Read more »Forum on potential impact of TABOR II slated
A public forum will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 from 7-9 p.m. at the Monroe Town Hall to discuss the latest incarnation of the proposed Taxpayer Bill of Rights, TABOR II.
Read more »Opponents fear TABOR's effect on government
Among the issues MMA raises against TABOR are that the measure would keep spending ratcheted down to unreasonable levels even after economic times improve; that it requires statewide referendums for a net increase in spending of as little as $300,000, and that such referendums can cost in excess of $1 million; that it is overly restrictive on special revenue accounts; and that TABOR would make it impossible for the state to fully fund education; and that it strips local control away from communities.
Read more »Etna, Belgrade officials urge informed voting
The towns of Etna and Belgrade have something in common. The boards of selectpersons have adopted a resolution to oppose Question 2, which would reduce the municipal excise tax paid on motor vehicles by approximately 40 percent. We also voted to pass a resolution opposing TABOR II that is Question 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot. In both towns, the reasons were the same.
Read more »Anti-TABOR Rally Held in Monument Square
http://www.myfoxmaine.com/dpp/news/20091002_Anti_TABOR_Rally_Held_in_Monument_Square
Read more »Battle over spending cap appears one-sided
With a month to go until Election Day, the battle over a referendum that aims to cap state spending appears to be a one-sided contest.
Read more »Trust the state's legislators to do their work
Many voters in Maine respect the time-honored tradition of allowing our elected officials to do their job and legislate. Time and again, people around our state and especially in Kennebunk have complained to me about the plethora of so-called "people's referendums" on our forthcoming November ballot. There are five of these state-wide critters, with at least another one possibly on the way next June.
Read more »Ethics panel orders anti-tax group to file campaign reports
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Ethics Commission ruled Thursday that the conservative public policy organization Maine Leads should have filed financial disclosure reports related to anti-tax referendum campaigns.
Read more »Madison, Canaan oppose ballot measures
Two more Maine towns encourage citizens to vote NO on questions 2 and 4.
Read more »TABOR opponent to speak in Auburn
A Colorado woman who fought against that state's TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights) law will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Auburn Public Library.
Read more »MAINE CHAMBER YANKS SUPPORT FOR TAX PROPOSAL
AUGUSTA, Maine—Maine's largest business organization has withdrawn its support for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the referendum proposal that seeks to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending.
Read more »AUGUSTA Officials criticize TABOR proposal
AUGUSTA -- The mayor of Augusta and two businessmen said Tuesday that the revised Taxpayer Bill of Rights will hurt industry, schools and the power of local elected leaders. Read more »
Maine excise tax reform could slash town budgets
YORK Question 2 on the November ballot, to cut the motor vehicle excise tax in half for newer vehicles, will save residents money, say proponents, but those opposed say a "yes" vote will only increase property taxes or reduce services as towns make up the revenue shortfall. Read more »
City opposing two Nov. 3 tax questions
Portland jumped into the Nov. 3 election fray last night, opposing two citizen-initiated tax referendum questions. Read more »
Report says TABOR II will hinder business
A nonpartisan public policy center released a report Tuesday predicting that the government spending restrictions proposed in an upcoming ballot measure would stymie Maines business climate by underfunding education, health care and road maintenance Read more »
TABOR II argument incomplete
Scott Moody of the Maine Heritage Policy Center penned an OpEd on Sept. 7 in favor of a ballot initiative sponsored by his organization. This ballot initiative is a reincarnation of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR, initiative also sponsored by his organization in 2006. Read more »
Excise Tax Forum
One of the issues Mainers will be deciding in November is a measure that would cut the excise tax on newer and more fuel efficient vehicles. Read more »
Portland, South Portland Approve Resolutions Against Question 2
The city councils in both Portland and South Portland passed non-binding resolutions on Tuesday, opposing question 2 on the November ballot. Read more »
Ellsworth panel pans excise tax, TABOR II measures
ELLSWORTH, Maine City councilors on Monday panned the excise tax and TABOR II citizen initiative proposals and voted to formally oppose both measures. Read more »
Chamber Withdraws Support for Spending Cap Initiative
Proponents of a referendum that would place spending caps at state and local levels sustained a minor setback today after the state's largest business organization withdrew its support for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, more commonly known as TABOR 2. Dana Connors, President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, says the Chamber was simply unable to reach a consensus position on Question 4. While TABOR supporters downplayed the development, the proposal's opponents hailed the decision as a victory for Maine business and tourism Read more »
TABOR II will undermine efforts to boost education
On Sept. 8, President Obama addressed the nation's schoolchildren. His remarks were focused on the capabilities and responsibilities of our students. He touched on inspirational stories about children who were able to overcome tremendous barriers to receive an education, and he espoused hard work and perseverance. Read more »
Colorado official warns of TABOR II damage
BANGOR, Maine Come November, Mainers again will be asked to consider a ballot measure that aims to limit state and local government spending increases. Read more »
SIDES FORMING FOR FIGHT OVER TABOR
While November's elections are still nearly two months away, Mainer's are organizing their efforts to educate voters about the tax payer bill of rights, or TABOR. A diverse group of business people, educators and first responders gathered on the steps of Portland's City Hall to announce their opposition to TABOR. Maine voters defeated a similar citizens initiative in 2006.
Read more »TABOR Two Gathering
Folks gathered Wednesday along the Bangor Waterfront to talk about TABOR two, also known as the taxpayers bill of rights Read more »
The Maine Campus
Senators delved into comments about the Maine Tax Relief Initiative and the General Student Senates stance on the issue at their Sept. 8 meeting. Read more »
TABOR II Opponents Stage Rally As Campaign Heats Up
Several statewide referendum question campaigns are heating up as election day draws closer. Today, opponents of a proposed tax cap staged a rally near the front steps of Portland City Hall. About 50 people showed up to urge the defeat of TABOR II, a taxpayer bill of rights that places caps on state and local spending. Read more »
Taking a look at Maine's five citizen initiatives
Special interest groups have raised five significant statewide questions that voters will be asked to consider on Nov. 3. Now that September is here, its time to look over our homework. Read more »
TABOR II: Hidden strings, expenses
I read with interest the recent op-ed piece extolling the virtues of TABOR II authored by my good friend, Mayor Paul LePage of Waterville. I agree with Paul about most things in life. We are both Republicans, both believe in the merits of regional cooperation, and we are both upset about the lack of a decent shortstop on the Boston Red Sox. But on Tabor II, I think Paul is dead wrong. Read more »
TABOR II could cripple economy
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. When a child is learning to read, that is an excellent piece of advice. When out-of-state interests are trying to force an economy-crippling idea on Maine people, it is advice we would rather see ignored Read more »
We shouldn't risk future on bad idea like TABOR II
On July 27, the Bangor City Council voted to reject TABOR II, a reckless tax initiative that forces cuts to education, health care, public safety and senior services in towns and cities across Maine. Read more »
Before you vote, consider true costs of TABOR II
I want to personally thank the Bangor City Council for publicly opposing the controversial TABOR II initiative this week. I attended the Monday night meeting and was pleased to see so many citizens who turned out to urge the council to vote in opposition. Not one person in the audience stood up in favor of TABOR II. Read more »
Council opposes excise tax, TABOR II
The question hanging over Monday's Bangor City Council meeting was: Should a council take a strong stance that might influence voters on a referendum? Read more »
TABOR a step backward for Maine
This year, the Legislature passed LD 1495, a meaningful, responsible tax reform law that lowers the overall tax burden for almost 90 percent of Mainers, promotes economic development and creates stability for our state budget and revenues. The new tax law lowers the top income tax rate from 8.5 percent to 6.5 percent, and reduces taxes for Mainers in every income category. Read more »
Colorado pair urge Mainers to reject spend cap
Two politicians from Colorado are in Maine this week to urge business leaders and others to oppose a citizen initiative on Maine's November ballot that seeks to place caps on government spending. Read more »
'No' on Question 4
Voters who are still on the fence about Question 4, the citizen initiative modeled after Colorado’s Taxpayers Bill of Rights, would do well to ponder two questions: If TABOR works so well, why did Coloradans vote in 2005 to suspend their law for five years?
Read more »