This is in response to the guest column June 29 by Malory Shaughnessy and Wayne Gallant advocating rejection of the people’s veto of legislation to pay increasing costs for Dirigo.

I can only note that they apparently don’t see the forest for the trees.

While increased alcohol taxes may be an effective means to reduce underage drinking, the legislation in which it is included is an affront to Maine’s taxpayers. Senate Republican Leader Carol Weston aptly described the legislation in a press release stating, “… (The) Democrat leadership has taken borrowed money, and raised taxes – two things they promised not to do during the budget debate. Once again the Democrats have used their position in the majority to increase the tax burden of Maine citizens.”

Last minute, midnight passage of legislation without open debate is an abuse of power which the citizens of Maine must overrule.

Taxing health insurance claim payments is irresponsible, given that Mainers reportedly pay the second highest premiums in the nation.

Furthermore, tax increases without corresponding spending reductions is not the way to go.

Passage of spending caps, such as TABOR-like legislation, are certainly needed before new taxes and increased spending for the failing Dirigo program are considered.

Peter T. Cipolloso, Oxford