State Tax Buden Still on the Rise
Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau released their annual state tax collection report for state fiscal year 2006. Unfortunately for Mainers, the news is not good. Taken as a percent of personal income, the level of state taxation has climbed to an all-time high of 8.61 percent (excluding the spike in 1976 when the state attempted, but ultimately failed, to take-over the local property tax). There is little relief in sight. In fact, the governor’s budget calls for yet more tax hikes.