We support the governor’s tax amnesty plan. It gives people one get-out-of-trouble-free card and could provide a small windfall to the state as delinquent tax payments flood in.

The state expects to collect about $14 million of the almost $200 million in known tax debt. The estimated revenue could increase if more people take advantage of this opportunity.

From Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, the state will drop all the fines, penalties and half of the interest for those tax-dodgers who pay up. It’s a real incentive to resolve outstanding issues with the taxman and to pay off lingering liabilities.

Implicit in the plan is the intent to more strictly enforce tax laws after the amnesty period ends. What could be better motivation than knowing a pack of aggressive tax collectors are primed and waiting to be unleashed on those who owe come December?

Part of the problem with taxes is that everyone thinks everybody else is getting away with cheating. Giving people a chance to get square with the government and then really going after the delinquents, is a good plan. Sure, there are costs associated with enforcement – legal fees, enforcement officers and administrative outlays – but the system works better when we all pay our fair share.


Fight EPA rules


Maine’s congressional delegation didn’t waste any time this week denouncing the Bush administration’s move to ease Clean Air Act regulations on industrial polluters.

Almost in a single voice, two Republican senators and two Democratic congressmen attacked the Environmental Protection Agency ruling, and urged the state to join others in a lawsuit challenging it. We join this call.

According to Sen. Susan Collins, every factory in Maine could be closed and every car garaged and the state would still suffer from unhealthy air. Pollution from old facilities in the Midwest is funneled right into New England. And while other states might receive benefits from cheaper energy and production costs, Maine’s costs remain high while we are forced to live as the nation’s tailpipe.

The EPA changes make it easier for aging and inefficient facilities to upgrade without adding modern pollution control technology. The outcome: A financial incentive to keep older plants open and polluting.

Maine’s attorney general should send a clear message to the EPA: “We’ll see you in court.”


Real student aid


We’re glad to see that other colleges and universities are coming to the aid of students left in the lurch by the sudden demise of Mid-State College.

Mid-State students, many of whom already stand to lose money, should get special consideration as they make last-minute changes to their educational plans. The University of Maine at Augusta has said that it will waive application fees and defer other payments to help Mid-State students. Thomas College in Waterville also has offered assistance.

Financial problems led to Mid-State’s closure, and representatives of the school say it will file for bankruptcy. Those troubles have been passed onto students, whose tuition money and education are left in doubt. It’s good that the education community is responding. We hope other schools also will lend a hand to the 225 displaced students.
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