Douglas Rooks got it half right in his June 8 column, “Time for Lawmakers to do something.” It is time for lawmakers to do something. And more often than not, legislators from both parties and both chambers are focused on achieving results for the people of Maine — even in a turbulent political environment. So it was less than helpful that in Rooks’ column he only told half the story and mischaracterized and distorted my position and the position of Senate Republicans.
With each passing day, we march closer to July 1 — the start of a new fiscal year, and the deadline by which we need a balanced budget to fund state operations. Without one, the state will be forced to shut down. A state shutdown is not an option, a consideration, or a tactic for me or any of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee. Each day, there are thoughtful and serious negotiations to craft a budget that reflects a cross section of values and strengthens Maine’s economic standing.
The primary issue at hand is the implementation of Question 2, the education initiative that is funded by the creation of an additional tax on high-income earners. Most agree that the state of Maine is long overdue in keeping its promise to fully fund public education at 55 percent. How we fund it is the source of disagreement and negotiation.
Rooks got this part right: I strongly believe the tax surcharge will be damaging to Maine’s economy going forward. Maine is suffering a skills gap. And with declining birth rates, an aging population, and outmigration of our young people, we can’t afford to build barriers and make it harder for people to live and work in Maine. In a society that is increasingly mobile, entrepreneurs and other highly skilled, high-demand workers such as physicians and techworkers have many options. The 3 percent surcharge would give Maine the highest tax rate in the country for families and small businesses for income between $200,000 and $1 million. And Rooks’ denial of this fact is irresponsible to the readers. Making Maine No. 1 in taxes for these wage earners will surely have an impact on recruitment, location, and investment decisions, particularly in southern Maine. If you doubt that, ask your local hospital administrator, accountant, or financial planner.
But I understand that taxes are only one part of the equation to creating a strong workforce and a prosperous economy. Equally important to a thriving economy is developing and sustaining a high-quality public education system that will provide opportunity and skills for our next generation of workers.
I am committed to passing a budget that will fully fund our obligation to our public schools — and attract new workers and businesses to our state. That path forward includes working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to gather the necessary two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber that we need in order to pass a consensus budget and avoid a catastrophic shutdown of state government.
Rooks mentioned my father’s role as a statesman in the Legislature years ago. I am proud of my father’s high standard — and often try to channel what he would do in a particular situation. I believe if he were in this Appropriations seat in 2017 instead of me, he would say this: Never ignore your core principles, but “compromise” is not a dirty word. It is an imperative in finding common ground among 186 legislators. That is something George Mitchell, Bill Cohen, Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins and Angus King all understand. It is something my father understood. It is apparently something Rooks does not understand.
Roger Katz, R-Augusta, represents Maine Senate District 15.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
