July 16, 2008
Tardy: Beverage tax fight will be brutal
House Minority Leader Josh Tardy, R-Newport, put out a statement late Wednesday saying the "Dirigo bureaucracy" will fight to keep new taxes on beer, wine and soda in place as a funding source for Dirigo Health.
He said efforts to repeal the taxes -- which will most likely include a November referendum question -- may well succeed. On Tuesday, a group called Fed Up with Taxes turned in more than enough signatures to get a question on the November ballot.
"The idea of increasing taxes when state residents are deeply worried about heating oil costs, gas costs, food costs and a shaky economy strikes many folks as senseless," Tardy said. "We already have the second-highest tax burden in the nation."
He continued:
"If the taxes are repealed, Dirigo would survive by continuing its current funding system," he said. "But the Dirigo bureaucracy wants these new taxes, so I think we need to be prepared for a bruising battle over this issue right up to Election Day. I expect to see a lot of disinformation and deceptive advertising."
You know, when tough times hit, we, the working class, have to make cuts in our budgets so we can afford necessities. That includes eating out less, driving less, and generally enjoying life less so that we can afford heat, food, clothes, shelter, and other necessities.
I'm sick of this state trying to stick it to us with more and more taxes! Times are tough, we all have had to cut back. It is NOW time for the bureaucrats in Augusta to trim the fat! NO NEW TAXES! NO NEW SPENDING! NO BUDGET INCREASES!
With higher costs for food, oil, and gas, we all have to live on less. The state can do the same. If that means some a few of the lazy bums that are living on a state-supplied income have to get out and work a job or two, SO BE IT. My hard earned dollars should stay in my pocket!
Posted by taxed_ENOUGH
July 17, 2008 11:28 AM
Unless your entire food budget is planned around beer, wine and soda, this tax shouldn't be that much of a hardship....
Posted by
ShayronJuly 18, 2008 09:38 AM
ATTENTION ALL POLITICIANS
NO NEW TAXES. This means NO new or increased TAXES. No new or increased FEES.Live with what you have , or delete the programs.
We,on fixed incomes , (social Security) cannot afford all off these new WHIMS.
NO new TAXES
Posted by
BillM of FairfieldOctober 2, 2008 11:44 AM
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