FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 15, 2010

AUGUSTA – Americans for Prosperity-Maine, partnering with The Maine Heritage Policy Center, has sent Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins oversized Thank You letters, signed by more than 150 Maine taxpayers, to thank them for their leadership in opposing tax hikes, and for their opposition to major policy changes during Congress’ lame duck session.

Specifically, the letter-signers thanked Maine’s Senators for opposing energy tax hikes and for supporting an extension of the current tax rates passed in 2001 and 2003. If Congress allows the current tax rates to expire, the average family of four would pay an additional $2,900 in taxes to the federal government.

“We encourage you to continue to speak out for Maine people, and urge your colleagues to recognize the urgency of avoiding the looming tax hikes and to oppose other tax increases, including legislation to raise taxes on domestic energy, which would further stall an already weak economic recovery…,” the letter said.

Some noteworthy signers include more than 30 current and newly elected state Senators, as well as Dean Scontras and Jason Levesque, former candidates for Maine’s first and second congressional districts, respectively.

Both Senators have also been vocal in their opposition to major policy changes during the current lame duck session—the session, which begins today, in which the current Congress still serves, prior to the swearing-in of the new class of legislators elected November 2. Both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi have indicated their readiness to drive through pet legislation before the Democrats’ margins in Congress are officially reduced.

“Senators Snowe and Collins have been very clear in their opposition to these dangerous tax hike proposals, and they deserve a sincere ‘Thank You’ from Maine taxpayers for standing up to the Big Government liberals looking to grow government even more before they are officially removed from office,” said Americans for Prosperity State Director Trevor Bragdon. “Their leadership on fighting tax hikes, and thwarting lame duck policy changes is critical, and Maine people want to make sure our Senators know just how much we appreciate their work on these issues.”

Americans for Prosperity State Director Trevor Bragdon (right) hands an oversized Thank You letter to Brian Whitney (right), of Senator Olympia Snowe’s Augusta office.

Trevor Bragdon (right) with Bill Card (left) of Senator Susan Collins’ Augusta office.
Signed Letter to Senators Snowe and Collins