Independent candidate for governor Rick Bennett unveiled his tax affordability plan Monday.
It includes provisions to build income-sensitive property tax relief, eliminate corruption and misuse of government funds, and create an office of the inspector general to investigate whistleblower complaints.
“Every dollar collected and spent needs to provide value to the taxpayers. Too many Mainers believe that they are paying into a system that protects itself rather than Mainers,” Bennett said.
Bennett noted that because Maine’s Constitution requires most property to be taxed at full market value, year-round residents are taxed on what their homes could sell for, not on what local incomes can reasonably support.
“Many Maine communities are left holding the bag, creating misalignment between state and local governments, and driving property taxes higher than they need to be. Nearly half of Maine households fall below the threshold needed to cover basic expenses,” Bennett said.
Bennett said his plan will start delivering relief to the families, small businesses and older Mainers who are being priced out of their own communities.
Bennett will compete against Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles this fall.
This story appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.