PORTLAND (AP) – Signature collectors are out in force in Maine with the launch of a petition drive aimed at repealing new taxes on beer, wine, soda and other drinks.
A coalition called Fed Up With Taxes kicked off its petition drive Wednesday with press conferences in Portland and Bangor.
Campaign director Newell Augur said the Legislature doubled the tax on beer and wine and imposed new taxes on flavored water, soda, sports drinks, juices and other drinks. He said the taxes, which are intended to bolster funding for Maine’s Dirigo Health Program, were passed without any public hearing.
The campaign has to collect more than 55,000 signatures by July 17 to force a statewide vote on the issue on November’s ballot.
AP-ES-05-21-08 1540EDT
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