Pat McGowan’s 2020 Vision for Tax Reform
Pat McGowan understands Maine’s current tax system from both the private and public perspective. He is a lifelong Mainer and has run several small businesses in central Maine, so he has experienced the burden our tax system places on families and businesses. When he was 23, he was elected to the Maine Legislature and spent several years on the state budget committee – he has seen first-hand how revenue volatility adversely impacts the essential services Mainers demand. As Governor, Pat’s tax policies will accomplish three goals – modernizing Maine’s outdated tax system, lowering the burden on families and businesses, and reducing revenue volatility.
The tax reform measure recently passed by the Legislature is a good first step. It moves Maine in the right direction by reducing income taxes, increasing property tax relief programs, broadening the sales tax, and stabilizing revenues. Repealing this law would move Maine backwards. As Governor, Pat will continue the work of modernizing our tax system. Increasing the tax burden on Maine families is not the answer – growing our economy is. As state revenues rebound in the coming years, Maine must invest in the areas that help our state economy grow – research & development, energy innovation, and education.
