Maine has long struggled with property tax burdens that hit our working and middle-class families the hardest. Recently, state Sen. Joe Baldacci proposed a constitutional amendment that aims to cap property taxes at 2% per year for seniors over 65 who have lived in their homes for at least 12 months. This amendment would also reimburse municipalities for 90% of the lost revenue using a 2% tax on lottery tickets and sports betting. While this proposal is a step in the right direction, there are ways we can improve it to ensure the benefits reach those who need it most.

First, we should expand this relief to include not just seniors, but also low- and middle-income families and disabled residents. While older Mainers face significant financial challenges, they aren’t the only ones struggling with rising property taxes. Limiting relief to seniors risks leaving out younger families, working people and others who are being priced out of their homes. Any property tax reform must prioritize ensuring all Mainers, whether they own or rent, have a secure place to call home.

Second, the funding mechanism — a tax on lottery tickets and sports betting — raises concerns. These types of taxes are notoriously regressive, meaning they disproportionately affect lower-income residents. Instead of relying on revenue from lottery tickets and sports betting, we should look at fairer solutions. Raising taxes on high-value properties, luxury goods or investment income would ensure the wealthiest contribute their fair share. We should demand that the biggest corporations in our state pay their fair share. Too often, major corporations underpay in taxes while ordinary residents struggle to keep up with rising costs.

We should also guarantee that renters aren’t left out of the conversation. Renters, who often face skyrocketing housing costs, must be included in any meaningful property tax reform. A renter tax credit or rent control provision could help ensure that all Mainers — not just property owners — see the benefits of this policy.

Finally, the state must take steps to protect local services. If we weaken municipal budgets without boosting state support, we risk underfunding the very services seniors rely on — like local clinics, fire departments and public transit. Instead of just capping taxes, we should combine this effort with investments that strengthen these services to prevent local governments from scrambling to fill budget gaps.

Sen. Joe Baldacci deserves credit for introducing this amendment and working to address this critical issue. Property tax relief is essential for keeping Mainers in their homes and ensuring our communities remain strong. However, with some targeted improvements, this amendment could be even more effective in helping those who need it most while protecting the public services we all rely on.

I encourage Mainers to support efforts to expand property tax relief in ways that are fair, inclusive and sustainable. We can’t let tax breaks for the wealthy masquerade as support for working families. Maine’s working families shouldn’t bear the burden of funding property tax relief for those who own vacation homes or high-value estates. By standing together and demanding smarter solutions, we can create a fairer Maine for everyone.

We can’t afford half-measures that protect the wealthy while working families are left behind. Mainers deserve a tax system that works for everyone, and that starts with making our voices heard. Please write to your elected representatives in Augusta about this issue.