AUGUSTA (AP) — A Republican state senator from Maine who wants to raise taxes on the state's wealthiest citizens says he's found a House sponsor for his bill, and as expected it's a Democrat.
Sen. Tom Saviello of Wilton proposes raising the tax on annual incomes of higher than $250,000 from 7.95 percent to 8.5 percent. The higher rate was in effect until 2011, when the Republican-controlled Legislature lowered it.
He needed a House co-sponsor for the bill because under Maine law, bills to raise revenue must originate in the lower chamber.
As expected, he's received little support from fellow Republicans.
But on Thursday he told the Kennebec Journal that Democratic state Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield has agreed to be co-sponsor.
The change could affect 4,100 Mainers and generate $5 million.
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