Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed changes to the teachers’ retirement system contains shameful numbers. Currently, teachers pay a total of 9.1 percent of their salaries for Medicare and the teacher retirement system (teachers are not allowed to pay into Social Security). In 2010, private employees earning up to $106,800 paid a total of 7.65 percent for Medicare and Social Security combined.

The governor has proposed a tax hike so that teachers will pay a total of 11.1 percent. To add salt to the wound, this proposed increase would help to fund a tax cut for the 600 wealthiest families in Maine.

I teach because I value my students and their education. I do not teach to make a fortune. However, I believe it is shameful for the governor to suggest a tax hike on Maine teachers and a tax cut for the 600 wealthiest families.

Please stop this shameful proposal.

Eileen Broderick, Bethel