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*LARGE Tax Increase Now In Effect*


"Democrats rejected a voluntary Republican proposal for paid family medical leave and imposed a mandatory $448 million tax increase on Maine workers"

 

Hey Maine, this is Representative Alicia Collins of Sidney your Weekly Republican Address. 

Paid family medical, if done properly, is a goal worthy of support.

Many Maine businesses currently offer it as an incentive to attract and keep valued employees.

Republicans favored a voluntary program that allowed employees and employers the choice of whether or not to participate.

New Hampshire has a voluntary program. It is possible that Maine could be part of that program and ultimately lower costs for employees and businesses.

Instead of taking that approach, Maine Democrats have created an expensive, expansive, mandatory program that includes an estimated $448 million dollar tax increase [ [link removed] ].    

Affected worker paychecks were lower beginning January 1, even though workers cannot use the program until May 1, 2026.

Workers and businesses must pay the new tax regardless of whether or not they ever use the program.

The new tax was passed over the objections of Republicans by inserting it into a supplemental budget bill that Republicans opposed.

Since its passage, it has become increasingly apparent that the program is poorly thought out and ripe for potential abuse.

Workers will be eligible to take 3 months of paid leave for almost any reason. This includes being caregiver for a friend, roommate, or neighbor with emotional or mental health issues.

After the duration of paid leave, employers are required to hire the employee back, if they come back at all.  During that period, businesses would have to leave a position unfilled or hire an additional employee.

Public hearings have identified many other problems beyond the $448 million dollar tax increase.

Rep. Josh Morris of Turner has introduced legislation to repeal the tax increase with the hope of exploring a voluntary paid family medical leave program that does not hurt workers, close more small businesses, or wreck our economy.

With a $1 billion dollar budget shortfall and one of the highest tax burdens in the country, Maine cannot afford yet another expensive, poorly thought out government program that imposes higher taxes on workers and small businesses.

We can have a voluntary, low cost, paid family medical leave program that achieves the same objectives for families without putting more burdens on Mainers struggling to survive.

This has been Representative Alicia Collins with the Weekly Republican Radio Address.

Thank you for listening, subscribing, sharing and following us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.       

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BUDGET UPDATE from Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham

Republicans were alarmed but not surprised when this budget news came out of the Governor's office this week. 

I'm Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham with this week's Republican Radio Address. 

Essentially, this forecast does not bode well for the State of Maine. 

Democrats have been in complete control of government spending for the last six years, and it's been a six-year cycle of reckless spending that led us to this forecast. 

And the news isn't good. 

The state is obligated to spend nearly half a billion dollars more than it has. 

The most disturbing part of this message is the Governor's warning about the expansion of Medicaid spending and like when [Governor Baldacci] stiffed the hospitals, they may have to write out IOUs again.

So I think we should learn from the mistakes of the past. 

It's not time to start sending IOUs to the hospitals. 

When [Governor LePage] was in charge and Republicans controlled the legislature, they paid back $750 million that was owed to the hospitals. Let's not build up a hole like that by sending out IOUs. 

Let's get control of this now. 

Maine already has one of the highest tax burdens in the country. 

And I tell you right now, Republicans will not support tax increases. 

We will not support sending IOUs to the hospitals, and we won't support budget gimmicks that don't solve the problem. 

We're committed to figuring this out without doing those things and burdening the people of Maine.



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Collins
Representative Alicia Collins

Representative Alicia Collins is serving her first term representing District 61 (Vassalboro and part of Sidney). She also serves as Selectman for the Town of Sidney, where she is dedicated to enhancing local governance and improving the quality of life for residents. In addition to her public service, Alicia is an active community volunteer, supporting various initiatives that strengthen her town and region.

A committed member of Calvary Church, Alicia is deeply rooted in her faith and actively participates in church activities. She is married to Lewis, and together they share a strong commitment to their family and community. Alicia’s leadership, volunteerism, and passion for service make her a valued representative for her constituents.





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