FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2023
Contact: Jacob Posik
Director of Communications
Office: 207.321.2550
Maine Policy’s Statement on the Signing of the Transportation Budget
New, long-term funding solution in Transportation Budget will protect taxpayers from future debt and tax increases
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Policy Institute CEO Matthew Gagnon issued the following statement in response to Gov. Janet Mills’ signing of the compromise Transportation Budget:
“Maine Policy has long supported redirecting a portion of automobile related sales taxes to the Highway Fund to shore up the state’s transportation infrastructure, reduce future borrowing and spare Mainers from tax increases. We’re pleased the Legislature has finally endorsed this change to save taxpayers from future debt.
Maintaining our roads, bridges and other key infrastructure is a core function of government and should always be a spending priority for lawmakers. There was never a good reason to put these investments on the credit card, instead of enacting a long-term funding solution, while simultaneously paying for politicians’ wasteful pet projects. With this budget, lawmakers have finally taken action to plug the transportation funding shortfall and we commend them for enacting this change.”
Maine Policy’s testimony in favor of this change is available here.
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Maine Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to expand individual liberty and economic freedom in Maine. Learn more about our work at www.mainepolicy.org.