Why Maine's rich should pay a little more to keep the state strong
Portland, Augusta, USAWed Apr 15 2026
Maine has always had a habit of standing up for fairness in taxes. The state is filled with people who work hard and look out for each other, whether it’s helping a neighbor clean up after a storm or contributing more when they can afford it. Wealthy residents, like the speaker who grew up in Augusta and started a successful business in Portland, know firsthand how much public support can change lives. As a child with dyslexia, he got the extra help he needed to graduate—thanks to Maine’s schools and taxpayers. That support didn’t just help him succeed; it helped him build a company that created thousands of jobs.
But while some Mainers thrive, many others are barely getting by. High rents, soaring fuel prices, and rising grocery costs make life tough for families, even those working multiple jobs. Small things, like a $1, 500 payment, could keep people from losing their homes. The speaker’s wife and him don’t mind paying a little more in taxes if it means better schools, hospitals, and roads that benefit everyone. They believe in giving back because that’s just what Mainers do.
He also argues that taxes aren’t just about taking money—they’re an investment. Well-educated workers, reliable infrastructure, and strong communities make businesses more successful. Companies can’t grow if their employees are struggling or if customers can’t afford their products. The speaker has seen this firsthand in his own business. When workers and families have enough, the economy as a whole does better.
Some wealthy people worry about taxes driving them away, but the speaker isn’t buying it. Maine’s beauty, culture, and community aren’t just money—it’s home. Would someone really leave Acadia’s forests for a strip mall in Florida just because of a small tax increase? If they did, maybe they weren’t as connected to Maine as they thought.
And let’s be real—hard work doesn’t always mean success. Many Mainers work long hours and still can’t make ends meet. Blaming them for struggling is unfair. The real issue is policies that don’t give everyone a fair shot. Taxes aren’t the problem; they’re the price of a state that works for everyone.
