Posted on 05/29/2015 2:54:52 PM PDT by cotton1706
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Republican Gov. Paul LePage vowed Friday to veto every Democratic-sponsored bill that gets to his desk for the rest of the time he's in office unless the Legislature agrees to let residents weigh in on whether to get rid of the income tax.
"The Maine people deserve to have a say on the income tax and until they lift it, that's my leverage," LePage said during a wide-ranging and spirited news conference at the Blaine House. "And yes, is that politics? I'm playing their game. I'm finally learning to play the game of the politician."
LePage wants to pass a constitutional amendment — which would require voter approval — to prohibit the state from collecting the income tax beginning in 2020. But his effort is fiercely opposed by Democrats who question how the state would make up the $1.7 billion in annual general fund revenue that would disappear.
LePage called Democrats' actions this session "disturbing," ''repugnant" and "disgraceful." He pointed at Democratic House Leader Jeff McCabe, who attended the event, saying, "Shame on you."
After the governor's remarks, McCabe said LePage has come "a little bit unglued."
"I think back home that's the kind of politics that really upsets people," McCabe said. "That kind of ... name calling just isn't really appropriate when trying to work in divided government."
The Taxation Committee recently rejected LePage's constitutional amendment along party lines, and the measure has yet to come up for a vote in the Democratic-led House or Republican-controlled Senate. It will need two-thirds support of lawmakers in both chambers — the same support Democrats will need to override a possible flurry of vetoes by LePage.
(Excerpt) Read more at finance.yahoo.com ...
I know nothing of this state’s politics or finances. Is he setting up for a future higher office run? or is there really $2 billion in waste every year in Maine? or is he planning to make up some of the revenue in another way?
>> that’s my leverage,” LePage said
Wow, he understands the concept of LEVERAGE.
If we all kick in a couple bucks, maybe we can pay this dude to bitchslap some sense into Boner and McChinless.
Needed -- line item veto.
Basically, he’s changing the way Maine functions. It’s been a corrupt, Massachusetts clone for years (I live in MA).
There is plenty of waste, and LePage has gotten to the bottom of some of it, with welfare and EBT reforms, etc.
Good for him. i don’t know why it would be hard for me to believe there is 2 billion in waste in a state. NY/USSR has probably ten times that much waste.
A Republican with cojones? who da thunk it.....
If it’s not $2 billion, it’s still plenty ‘o waste. I love the guy, which greatly angers my relatives who still live there.
The line item veto is a terrible idea.
Why is it a terrible idea?
A line item veto would, in effect, allow the executive to re-write the law.
Ask yourself if you want a lib governor to have line item veto power then decide if you really want it.
Best GOP governor in the USA know one knows about. He’s been excellent on nailing Maine “sanctuary cities” & all things liberal. He’s the real deal.
I am so going to steal your descriptor for McConnell!
And yes, is that politics? I’m playing their game. I’m finally learning to play the game of the politician.”
LePage called Democrats’ actions this session “disturbing,” ‘’repugnant” and “disgraceful.” He pointed at Democratic House Leader Jeff McCabe, who attended the event, saying, “Shame on you.”
Ok, I like how LePage is taking on the Dems.
I think the Dems are a bit afraid of him. LePage needs to give lessons on governing with power to Mcconnell and Boehner
Raising sales tax. Taxing nonprofits. Ending revenue sharing.
You’re welcome!
It’s not. It’s a great idea that leads to less spending. The guy who just told you it’s a bad idea also thinks it’s a bad idea that we get to elect our own Senators, rather than having our betters in the state legislature do it for us.
LePage may end up in DC as he has made comments about challenging left-wing Sen. Anus King (oops, Angus — Anus King would be Michael Michaud) in 2018. He would be an instant treasure there, unbought and unbossed.
Thanks Impy. The first time I ever heard of line-item veto was when President Reagan first said he saw no reason for the President to lack it, since so many governors had it. There is no good argument against it, imho.
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