This is in response to the March 21 story, “Lottery plan.”

It seems the small businesses of Maine, which try desperately to improve the health of their communities and the local economy, are being asked to foot the bill because of poor budget planning at the state level.

Gov. Baldacci stated that he would solve the current budget crisis by reducing spending and not by raising taxes.

The current plan to reduce the commission on instant lottery ticket sales from 8 to 5 percent is, in no other terms, a tax on small businesses. Government officials are implying that the Mom and Pop stores are making millions of dollars. That is just not true.

What officials don’t tell the public is that the current commission of 8 percent is a pitiful return on the investment store owners make in time and money to sell the product. Ticket machines require the most valuable counter space in a store, and it takes more time to process lottery products than other products.

I hope Commissioner Mike Peter of Dixfield can convey to the Lottery Commission his support to maintain the current commission of 8 percent.

I am sure I can speak for most small store owners in saying that there will be less money in the budget to invest in our businesses, to hire a new employee or to donate back into the community.

How much more can the small businesses afford to give in order to balance the state budget?

Jon L. Bubier, owner

Ron’s Market, Farmington