Maine Audubon Action Alert
Please speak out against the Governor’s proposal to tax nonprofit organizations.
The Appropriations and Financials Affairs Committee, together with the Taxation Committee, is holding a public hearing on the proposal require nonprofits to pay property tax.
When:
Thursday, February 19, 1:00 pm
Where:
Room 228 of the State House, Augusta
Why we need you to take action:
The Governor has proposed requiring tax districts impose a property tax on nonprofits who hold $500,000 or more in property tax assessment in a tax district.The assessed value over $500,000 would be taxed at half the local rate. There is another bill to reduce the trigger amount to $250,000.
Please attend the hearing on February 19 at 1:00 pm and testify against the proposal or contact your local legislators to share your concerns.
Talking Points to Share with your Legislator:
Nonprofits Enhance Our Communities
- Places to hunt, hike, fish, snowmobile, play
- Outdoor classrooms for the next generation
- Preserving clean lakes, rivers, drinking water and healthy ecosystems
- Protecting our heritage and historic places
- Supporting health and wellness programs: exercise and healthy foods
Nonprofits Strengthen Our Economy
- Access for commercial fishing
- Conservation of working forests
- Supports local farmers and healthy foods
- Special places that attract tourists (raising more tax dollars from tourists is a key component of the Governor’s proposed shift from income to sales taxes).
Taxing Non-profits Will Result in Fewer Services From Fewer Conserved Lands
- Providing public benefits like conserved land and community services costs money
- Many land trusts already stretch existing dollars to maximize impact
The Proposal Is Not Right for Conservation Organization or for any Nonprofit
- Land trusts and other conservation nonprofits require minimal government services
- Services provided by land trusts and other nonprofits reduce burden on the government
- As governments downsize, the need for nonprofits increases
Please attend the hearing on Thursday, February 19 at 1:00 pm and testify in opposition to the proposal or contact your local legislator to share your concerns.
For more information, please contact:
Jenn Burns Gray
Maine Audubon Staff Attorney and Advocate
jgray@maineaudubon.org
(207) 781-2330 x224
