A proposal by Sen. Joe Perry, D-Bangor, and Rep. John Piotti, D-Unity, would reduce the
state’s top income tax rate from 8.5 percent to 6.5 percent, and raise the meals and
lodging tax from 7 percent to 8.5 percent; other taxes also would increase to offset the
loss in income tax. The men say the cut will help most Mainers and shift some of the
burden onto out-of-state residents. Is this a good move? Should more of the cost of state
services be shifted to sales taxes? Or should the system stay as it is?