Ahead of tomorrow’s vote, Gov. Paul LePage spent most of his public time last week speaking out against every measure on Maine’s ballot, including a visit to the Portland Rotary Club, where he told attendees that the Maine Revenue Service is predicting a 10% unemployment rate if Questions 2 and 4, coupled with new overtime rule, go into it effect.
Question 2 would establish a 3% tax on individual Maine taxable income above $200,000 that would be used to create a state fund to support K-12 public education. Question 4 looks to gradually increase Maine’s minimum wage to $12 by 2020, which would then be followed by changes to the consumer price index.
To read more about the upcoming overtime rule that goes into effect Dec. 1, check out Mainebiz’s report on how employers are planning to deal with the changes.
“In fact, the MRS [Maine Revenue Services] is telling me that we’re looking at 10% unemployment next year. 10% unemployment,” LePage told attendees at his Portland Rotary Club appearance if the ballot questions get the green light and the overtime rule goes into effect, according to Maine Public.
Maine Revenue Service officials didn’t respond to Maine Public’s request for comments on LePage’s claim.
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