AUGUSTA, Maine - People who buy a United States flag in Maine may soon no longer have to pay a tax on their purchase.
The Democratic-controlled House voted 146-1 on Wednesday to approve a bill that would exempt the American flag from the sales tax. It faces further votes in the Senate.
Democratic Rep. Stanley Short of Pittsfield told a legislative committee last month that he believes the bill would be a "symbol for respect that Maine people have'' for the U.S. flag. He says flag sales are tax free in 10 states, including Rhode Island, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
The bill is expected to result in a loss of more than $93,000 in general fund revenue next fiscal year and nearly $130,000 the following year.