AUGUSTA, ME– Maine Republican Party Chair, Dr. Demi Kouzounas, released the following statement regarding Republican backed tax conformity and relief passing late last night:

“Reversing course from Janet Mills’ bizarre plan to tax Maine businesses $100 million from their lifeline PPP loans, to passing critical full tax conformity to save Maine businesses and jobs is a major win for Maine, ” said Chair Dr. Demi Kouzounas. “If it was not for the Republicans in the State Legislature and the public outcry on Janet Mills’ job killing policies, our state would be in dire straits right now.”

“Right now, businesses from Kittery to Fort Kent are doing everything they can to keep their doors open and Mainers are doing everything they can to make ends meet. We must focus on helping our citizens, not piling on additional burdensome taxes to pay for Janet Mills’ spending problem. I applaud the people of Maine for standing up and making their voices heard, and for our Republicans in the State Legislature for always fighting for their communities.”

Background:

– Due to overspending by her administration, Janet Mills proposed a $100 million tax on Maine’s small businesses Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans, an essential lifeline loan to keep businesses open during the pandemic

– Mills wanted to treat these loans as “income” rather than the lifeline forgivable loans they were intended to be.

– After Republicans brought the issue to light, creating widespread public outcry throughout Maine, Mills reversed course. Mills then said she would support partial tax conformity, however, she would still tax some PPP recipient’s.

– Republicans continued to fight this outrageous plan and with the help of Maine citizens, passed full tax conformity, protecting Maine small businesses and their employees.