We’re Not Going to Tax-Cut Our Way Out of This One
Politicians love to talk about the fun stuff.
Folks around here are talking about a bill—LD 1541—that would eliminate property taxes for seniors who’ve lived in Maine ten years or more. A quaint idea.
And by “quaint,” I mean deeply unrealistic—especially in a state with the oldest median age in the country.
Because if we’re the oldest, that also means we have the smallest proportion of young people. And that proportion? They’d be left to carry the weight—funding essential services like the snow plows, the schools, the fire department, the police.
The Math Doesn’t Work
You can dress it up any way you want—call it relief, fairness, dignity—but in plain language, this bill means younger Mainers would foot more of the bill. And they’d be doing it in a state where Federal funding is drying up, or being threatened outright. Hospitals are closing. MaineCare is stretched thin.
Property values have climbed since the pandemic, no question—and some seniors need help. But this bill isn’t needs-based. It’s a blanket tax break for one group, no matter their situation, that shifts the burden onto another—also no matter their situation.
If we want more young people to stay here and raise a family—or heaven forbid, move here—this isn’t exactly a great sales pitch:
“Welcome to Maine. Have your kids in a hospital that’s already closed, raise them with services that no longer exist, and by the way, could you please cover the full property tax tab while you’re at it?”
That’s if you can afford a home in the first place. And don’t get me started.
Grown-Up Problems, Grown-Up Solutions
It’s always easier for politicians to talk about the fun stuff.
Rebates. Tax breaks. Givebacks.
I like fun stuff too—now and then. I’ve occasionally been known to smile. But life’s not just about treats. Sometimes, you’ve got to make grown-up decisions so the fun can come later.
And here’s the thing: if we’re serious about keeping this state going, we’re probably going to need more tax dollars, not less.
We should look for waste. We should close loopholes. We should watch for abuse. Of course we should.
But let’s be honest here—there’s only so much spare change in the couch cushions. It might buy you a coffee.
It’s not going to pay the mortgage.
And it’s not going to fix what’s broken in Maine.
Keep the Fiscal House in Order
You can call yourself fiscally responsible all day long—and I do—but if your roads are crumbling, your schools are understaffed, your nursing homes are closing, and your rural towns can’t even keep the lights on at town hall, then your fiscal house is not in order.
It’s propped up on feel-good math and hopes the wind won’t blow too hard.
We’re facing some challenges here as a state. Challenges that effect young and old.
But it’s time for some straight talk: we’re not going to tax-cut our way out of this one.
—Eben Flint