I've spent the last hour reading about what Republicans have been doing to Maine. Cutting tens of thousands from health care. 400 million in tax cuts for the "job creators". What kind of jobs are in Maine? Fishing, tourism and lumber. Most salaries are around 40 to 45 grand. After winter heating, they depend on food stamps. The GOP governor was elected with 38% of the vote because 5 were running and there was no "run-off".
So thousands were slashed from welfare and food stamps. That's all the GOP care about.
And now, they are going after not for profit.
Maine governor cuts Medicaid as some GOP colleagues choose expansion - Politics - The Boston Globe
Maine s health care model Go smaller
Check out the GOP platform in Maine:
2014 Maine GOP Platform Sagadahoc County Maine Republicans
Nothing about improving, creating, supporting or anything that's actually good for the people. It's all about increasing suffering disguised as "cost savings".
And now Republicans are going after "food banks" trying to squeeze taxes from "not for profit".
Maine effort to tax nonprofits raises eyebrows across the US - Yahoo News
Nonprofit organizations across the country are closely watching Maine as it considers becoming the first state to impose property taxes on hospitals, private colleges and summer camps under a plan being pushed by Gov. Paul LePage.
LePage has called nonprofits "takers, not givers" and argues they need to chip in for things like police, firefighters and snow removal.
The Good Shepherd Food Bank estimates it would owe about $24,500 annually to the city of Auburn under the governor's plan. Spokeswoman Clara Whitney said that would mean the food bank would have to provide 100,000 fewer meals every year.
"If we have to redirect resources to pay property taxes it will be Mainers who are facing hunger who will be impacted," she said.
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Then you look at education. Remember, Republicans say if you get an education, you can keep your welfare. So they must support education, right?
Maine’s per-pupil spending is below the other New England states. Based on the
latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, Maine’s 2012 per pupil spending was $12,819. New Hampshire was next lowest in New England at $13,593 per student while Connecticut and Vermont were the highest at $16,274 and $16,040, respectively.
The state’s failure to make needed investments in education has serious consequences. These cuts potentially compromise education quality and economic growth. They also pass the buck to local school districts, placing even more pressure on local property taxpayers.
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Republicans are like snakes. They have a forked tongue and you have to watch them or they slither up behind you and strike.