Maine Tourism Industry Not Sold On Summer Gas Tax

LEWISTON, Maine - A Maine lawmaker is floating a proposal to hike the state's gas tax by 23 percent in the summer and early fall, but members of the state's tourism industry say it's a bad idea. Democratic Rep. Andrew McLean of Gorham says the idea of his bill is to shift the cost to seasonal visitors. He says the tax increase would apply from June to November. The proposal also calls for lowering the gas tax by 10 percent for the rest of the year.
 
The Sun Journal reports the president of industry group HospitalityMaine is not on board with the idea. Steve Hewins says the new tax would still impact residents, and it would risk driving tourists to other summer locations.
 
The proposal is not yet slated for a public hearing.