Ballot Inititive Proposition 1 (taxes, zip code, rated)

[Submariner]

It is my understanding that in 2007:
a 'Technology bond issue' to increase spending by $55million passed;
a 'Culture and College' bond issue to increase spending by $43.5 million passed;
and a 'Parks and Land Bond issue' to increase spending by $35.5 million passed.

The only issues which did not pass were those which did not raise taxes ['Racino' and 'Extend Term limits'].


Maine Question Two (2007) - Ballotpedia

Maine Question Three (2007) - Ballotpedia

Maine Question Four (2007) - Ballotpedia


I kind of get the idea that the only way to get an issue to pass is to ensure that it raises taxes by $20million or more.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

It is my understanding that in 2007:
a 'Technology bond issue' to increase spending by $55million passed;
a 'Culture and College' bond issue to increase spending by $43.5 million passed;
and a 'Parks and Land Bond issue' to increase spending by $35.5 million passed.

The only issues which did not pass were those which did not raise taxes ['Racino' and 'Extend Term limits'].


Maine Question Two (2007) - Ballotpedia

Maine Question Three (2007) - Ballotpedia

Maine Question Four (2007) - Ballotpedia


I kind of get the idea that the only way to get an issue to pass is to ensure that it raises taxes by $20million or more.

Mainers seem to think the word "bond" means the money somehow falls from the sky. If the bond actually told people their taxes will be raised and by how much most would probably not pass.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Maineah

Mainers seem to think the word "bond" means the money somehow falls from the sky. If the bond actually told people their taxes will be raised and by how much most would probably not pass.

That is possible. And yet from the recent voting history I can see where the voters only want laws that increase taxes.

Folks tell me that they are fed up with taxes and they want to put their foot down. But then if the only way they will vote is in favour of higher taxes, I just don't understand.

This may sound insulting. I think that voters here are either:

1. too numb to be casting a vote [perhaps they are number than a hake];

or

2. too greedy, thinking that each issue will benefit them personally. And so if they benefit they do not care about the increased taxes.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

That is possible. And yet from the recent voting history I can see where the voters only want laws that increase taxes.

Folks tell me that they are fed up with taxes and they want to put their foot down. But then if the only way they will vote is in favour of higher taxes, I just don't understand.

This may sound insulting. I think that voters here are either:

1. too numb to be casting a vote [perhaps they are number than a hake];

or

2. too greedy, thinking that each issue will benefit them personally. And so if they benefit they do not care about the increased taxes.

Number one seems like it's closer to reality! Unfortunately!

[elston]

Another possibilty is that providing health care seems infinitely more important than an increase cost on buying a tonic. Soft drinks are discretionary spending.....medical care is often life or death.

When I found out what the money was for.....the choice seemed clear to me.......health care or pepsi, Hmmmm I wonder which is most important?

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by elston

Another possibilty is that providing health care seems infinitely more important than an increase cost on buying a tonic. Soft drinks are discretionary spending.....medical care is often life or death.

When I found out what the money was for.....the choice seemed clear to me.......health care or pepsi, Hmmmm I wonder which is most important?

The health care bond does add taxes to soda, it also adds taxes to health care.

Was it a 3% tax added onto all health insurance claims?

[shadowfax1997]

Originally Posted by elston

Another possibilty is that providing health care seems infinitely more important than an increase cost on buying a tonic. Soft drinks are discretionary spending.....medical care is often life or death.

When I found out what the money was for.....the choice seemed clear to me.......health care or pepsi, Hmmmm I wonder which is most important?

Since health care is not a guaranteed right under the constitution, I say no on both accounts. No health care paid for by the state/feds, and no new taxes on beverages.

The whole insurance debate needs to be rephrased. It should be looked at similar to car or homeowners insurance. Regular maintenance or repairs on your car are paid for by the owner. Insurance covers catastrophe. Same thing with homeowners. Health should be the same way. Minor and regular events you should pay for, and insurance should be used for the major events.

We are in this mess because everyone goes to the emergency room for minor things and expects someone else to pay for it. Whatever happened to people being responsible for themselves? It disappeared when big brother stepped in.

[Submariner]

It is difficult to imagine free automotive insurance to every one in the nation provided by the government.

Need a repair? It is free. Need new tires? They are free. Wreck one car and you need a new car? No big deal, big Brother will give you a new one.

Could our nation support such a burden? I do not think so.



Today's modern medicine is very nice. It is also very expensive. New drugs come out every month. And everyone wants the latest medical scans to verify each diagnosis. When full medical coverage exceeds the average person's gross income, then what happens. Guess what, it already has.

All of our gross incomes combined nationwide, would still not be enough to give everyone full modern medical coverage.

[roadrat]

Originally Posted by elston

Another possibilty is that providing health care seems infinitely more important than an increase cost on buying a tonic. Soft drinks are discretionary spending.....medical care is often life or death.

When I found out what the money was for.....the choice seemed clear to me.......health care or pepsi, Hmmmm I wonder which is most important?

What you are forgeting is that the Dirigo plan is a failure, an expensive failure, and the politicians who voted for it don't want to admit that it is a failure.


bill

[dmyankee]

A yes vote for the prop will rescind the beverage and health claim tax voted in by a bloated
legislature, under cover of darkness, to fund another one of Baldi's delusions of grandeur, legacy building, and socialist vision of Maine.

Half the people in Dirigo came in from other health care plans to get a break. They never insured the 35k+ individuals that had no health plan, as promised.

The entire show in Augusta needs to be restructured. There is no reason for special sessions. Cut the Legislature by 2/3rds and give them 2 months to get everything done! There is no reason in the world to have a full time Legislature in a state the size of Maine.

The taxes and fees just never end. As recently as the '80's, we were turning down bond issues.

Just take a look over the Maple Curtain, Hew Hampshire, the Way Maine Should Be!