Maine legislative Republicans call for public hearing on Trump tax cuts

AUGUSTA — Republicans on the Legislature’s budget and taxation committees are calling for a public hearing in November on federal tax cuts signed by President Donald Trump in July.

The request follows a briefing last week in which state officials updated lawmakers on federal cuts to social service programs and the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, among other changes.

Earlier this month, Gov. Janet Mills delayed making a decision on whether Maine would conform to the federal tax changes, saying it should be up to lawmakers to decide.

Mills’ office estimated all the tax cuts could result in a $400 million hit to the state budget. 

But this week, Rep. Amy Arata, R-New Gloucester, said information from Maine Revenue Services provides a more precise breakdown for cuts that total about $108 million.

That includes adopting a $750 increase in the standard deduction ($31 million), a new $6,000 deduction for seniors ($31 million), eliminating taxes on overtime ($28 million), eliminating taxes on tips ($9 million) and a deduction on car loan interest ($9 million).

The cuts are part of what Trump formerly called the One Big Beautiful Bill that he signed into law July 4.

“We should have called our Tax Committee back July 5 and had a special session right after that to give people an idea of what their taxes are going to be,” Arata said. 

After last week’s meeting, Democrats released a statement saying they need more time to review the impact of all the federal changes, which in addition to tax cuts, include cuts to food stamp benefits, Medicaid and healthcare subsidies.

“The decisions ahead are complex and will require careful analysis,” Sen. Peggy Rotundo (D-Lewiston) and Rep. Drew Gattine (D-Westbrook) said in a statement. “We are committed to working with colleagues, agencies and stakeholders to understand the implications and take responsible steps to protect the health and economic stability of our state.”

While the federal bill has been criticized for cutting taxes for the wealthy, Arata said the provisions Maine Republicans are most focused on are designed to cut taxes for working Mainers and seniors.

“I think the general public needs to let their voices be heard,” she said. “We hear a lot from lobbyists. Regular working people, a lot of times they don’t have a lobbyist. They have to be their own lobbyist. They have to reach out to legislators and let them know how they feel.”