from the AP, via Seacoast Online:

Several small business owners formally launched a referendum challenge aimed at repealing new taxes on sodas, beer and wine adopted with a goal of bolstering funding for Maine's Dirigo Health program.

The Fed Up With Taxes coalition says the tax increases were approved without any public hearing in the final days of the legislative session.

Here's the latest from Tony Payne at the Alliance for Maine's Future:

First they "cut" $200 million then they raised beverage taxes and increased fees on vehicle registrations by $215 million!

After all the hand wringing and posturing, a majority of legislators actually raised more taxes and fees than they cut. The Alliance for Maine's Future had asked legislators not to raise taxes and fees, use accounting gimmicks or shift unfunded mandates onto other levels of government. However, a majority ignored the request and added to the cost of living in Maine.

A message from Maine GOP Chair Mark Ellis:
A Petition to the Statehouse from Maine's Hard Working Families and Businesses

Don't add to our burden! Don't break our backs!
When the halls of the state capitol cleared this week after the "Maine Can Do Better" rally, it was quiet and the remnants of streamers, flyers, and placards were not the only things left behind. The hundreds of people representing special interest groups also left behind the impression that their voices are the only ones that exist and matter.

Where were you?

Governor Baldacci's efforts to accelerate a small-business diaspora continue. This time, Baldacci's economic stormtroopers are trying to stamp out the last vestiges of potential tourism revenue from airfield hangers across the state. Here's the AP report:

Looking for revenue, states go after out-of-state plane owners
When Steve Kahn got a $26,000 tax bill on his airplane, he thought Maine Revenue Services had made a mistake. Kahn lives and works in Massachusetts.

Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Hastings has a great post over at his No Pecksniffery blog, titled 'Blame it on the dog':