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State Senator Proposes Tax Breaks for Maine Turnpike Drivers

AUGUSTA, Maine - A state senator wants to give drivers who use the Maine Turnpike an income tax credit.

Sen. Eric Brakey says the tolls drivers pay are a "double tax'' because they already pay a gas tax that's used to build and maintain all of the state's other roads and interstates.

The Auburn Republican's bill would provide a full rebate for all tolls paid on the turnpike by Maine income tax filers. The bill could cost the state as much as $4 million a year in reimbursed income tax revenue.

He tells the Sun Journal the bill seemed to get a good reception at a hearing before the Legislature's Taxation Committee earlier this week.

It also has bipartisan support, with Democratic state Rep. Jared Golden of Lewiston on board.