Republicans in Maine quickly second Gov. Baldacci’s pledge to not raise taxes

Maine Republicans quick to second no-tax pledge

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Republicans were quick to second Gov. John Baldacci’s weekend pledge to not seek a tax increase to close a looming $383 million budget gap.

Democrat Baldacci made his pledge in his weekend radio address. In the Republican response, House Minority Leader Josh Tardy of Newport says his party agrees. Tardy says raising taxes in a recession is counterproductive and unfair to Mainers who are trying to make ends meet.

Tardy says the problem of falling revenues is exacerbated by recession-related investment losses, which will affect the state retirement system.

Baldacci plans to give details of his budget-cutting proposals on Dec. 18.