Governor Lepages budget proposal to collect property taxes from non-profit organizations provides no exemption for land trusts and has the potential to DEVESTATE conservation efforts in Maine. So far, scrutiny of the nonprofit tax proposal has centered mostly on large nonprofits such as hospitals, private colleges and charities that generate revenue while using public services and infrastructure. However, taxation of land trust organizations has the potential to reshape the land preservation work being done by nonprofit entities that are often rich in land assets but generate little or modest revenue. If you are a resident of the state of Maine and are concerned about this issue we encourage to contact your elected state representative and senator as well as the Governors office. The budget language makes specific mention of exempting churches and houses of worship from the tax but not land trusts. When contacting your representatives you might consider opposing the measure altogether and/or supporting an exemption for land trusts. You can find your state representative through this link- maine.gov/legis/house/townlist.htm You can find your state senator through this link- legisweb1.mainelegislature.org/wp/senate/find-your-senator/ Unfortunately you will then have to copy and paste your senators name into the search box at the bottom of the page because the senators names do not link to their contact info. Another option is just to call the senates main phone number at (207) 287-1540 and ask for your senators contact info. You can call the governors office at 207-287-3531 If you intend to take action on this issue there is no better time than right NOW, before you forget. Contacting your elected representatives truly makes a difference, especially at the local and state levels. Please like and share so that more Mainers will see this.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:00:01 +0000