To the Editor:
Maine’s problem with Medicaid isn’t one that can be fixed by raising taxes or demanding other state agencies make up the $221 million dollar difference.
Democrats argue that Governor LePage gave tax cuts to the rich, which caused the Medicaid deficit. This is simply absurd and just a feeble attempt at class warfare. Before the Governor’s tax reforms, Maine’s top income tax rate was 8.5 percent. To add insult to injury, this rate kicked in if you had adjusted income of just $19,950 for individuals and $39,950 for a married couple.
Now, I challenge any Democrat reading this letter to explain to the person earning $19,950 that they are rich. In the words of Gov. LePage, “This is a hand up to Maine’s working poor to help them get back on their feet.”
Additionally, in 2012, 70,000 low-income Maine families will be removed from the tax rolls and will pay “no” state income taxes.
So, is it fair to take away tax cuts for those who need it most, to pay for a government-run health care program that has increased its spending by $1 billion over the last 10 years by expanding benefits well beyond federal and most other state programs?
Raising taxes will not fix this problem; Medicaid’s on auto pilot, spiraling out of control and will eventually consume 100 percent of Maine’s tax revenue if structural changes are not made now.
Democrats should stop the class warfare and work with Republicans to take a hard look at the program, to re-structure it and restore it to be a reliable safety net for Mainers who need it most.
Jim Carlton, Damariscotta
