The repeal of LD 1495 has clearly been a nonpartisan effort. We have had Democrats, Republicans and Greens spending most of their 2009 summer and fall tirelessly working door-to-door, at fairs, and everywhere in between to collect more than 55,000 signatures required to overturn this new tax law.

It is very disturbing, after all of the efforts, to see the ongoing misconception and lies from the “no” campaign. Telling Maine people if they vote “yes” to repeal, their taxes will go up 30 percent is an absolute deception. Voting “yes” will do nothing but keep the tax code as is.

It is true that LD 1495 is a tax break for the rich. Supporters of tax reform manipulate the tax brackets to claim it is not, but there is no denying the fact that some Mainers will see a tiny tax cut, while the rich benefit. The Wall Street Journal confirmed this fact in the editorial “Maine Miracle” when they said, “finally a state that cuts tax rates for the rich.”

No one can get around the fact that the 100-plus new taxes are going to increase expenses for most, if not all, Mainers. In addition, we will also lose charitable donations, mortgage interest, and health care deductions, replaced by an elaborate credit system. This fact means 82,000 Maine people will pay higher taxes in the first year. In addition, most of the elderly and poor who do not pay any income tax, 112,000 to be exact, will pay higher sales taxes.

The thousands of small businesses already struggling to pay their bills are not sure how they are going to pass this tax increase on to their struggling customers. As a small businessman, I cannot acquire any additional employees without being hit with more expenses. How does our state expect us to absorb additional expense? LD 1495 is not fair for the small businessman and is absolutely a tax increase for all of us regular citizens of Maine.

I have spoken with hundreds of people about this new law. For those who actually understand it, there is not one person who agrees with it. LD 1495 is a job-killing law and an additional tax burden to the people of Maine. I beg the public not to be deceived by “No on 1” ads. People can do themselves and the state of Maine a favor by voting “yes” on Question 1.

Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon Falls