LEEDS, MAINE — Maine families are drowning in a sea of taxes and fees imposed by Governor Janet Mills and Augusta Democrats. From sky-high income taxes to nickel-and-dime fees on everything from Netflix to fishing licenses, the Mills administration has tangled Mainers in red tape at every turn.

It’s time to cut through the red tape and eliminate the burdens driving hardworking Mainers out of our state.

“Governor Mills has turned Augusta into a fee-collecting machine that punishes Maine families for working hard and living their lives," said leading Republican candidate for Governor, Bobby Charles. “My plan will cut the red tape, slash the taxes and fees that hit Mainers hardest, and put money back in their pockets where it belongs.”

10 JANET MILLS RED TAPE TAXES & FEES BOBBY CHARLES WILL CUT IMMEDIATELY:

Under Janet Mills’ watch, Maine families face an unprecedented assault on their wallets. This preliminary plan will eliminate Janet Mills’ red tape and deliver immediate relief to Maine families by cutting the following taxes and fees:

1. Cut the Income Tax: Start totally phasing out the income tax by reducing Maine's punitive income tax rates by 20% across all brackets and raise the threshold for the top rate from $63,450 to $85,000. This will save middle-class families thousands annually while keeping Maine competitive with neighboring states.
2. Cut Property Taxes: Cut state mandates on schools, counties, and towns, while cutting the budget to allow tax incentives for attracting and retaining businesses, restarting commercial revenue.
3. Cut the Sales Tax: Reduce Maine's 5.5% sales tax to 4.5% on essential goods and services. This 18% reduction will save families hundreds of dollars annually on groceries, clothing, and household necessities.
4. Cut the Netflix Tax: Completely eliminate Mills' new 5.5% streaming tax before it takes effect on January 1, 2026. Maine families shouldn't pay Augusta politicians for their Netflix and Spotify subscriptions.
5. Cut Fishing License Fees: Roll back Mills' $7 fishing license fee increase and restore fees to historical levels. Reduce resident fishing licenses from $25 to $18 and make fishing accessible to all Maine families.
6. Cut Hunting License Fees: Reduce hunting license fees by 30% across all categories. Cut resident hunting licenses from $26 to $18 and combination licenses from $43 to $30, making Maine's outdoor heritage affordable for working families.
7. Cut the Cigarette Tax: Reverse Mills' crushing cigarette tax hike from $3.50 back to $2.00 per pack. This will save smokers over $400 annually and reduce cross-border shopping that hurts Maine businesses.
8. Cut Concealed Carry Permit Fees: Eliminate all fees for concealed carry permits for Maine residents. Constitutional rights shouldn't come with a price tag from Augusta bureaucrats.
9. Cut Arborist License Fees: Roll back the 140% arborist license fee increase from $180 back to $75. These professional licensing fees drive up costs for homeowners and small businesses across Maine.
10. Cut the Paint Fee: Eliminate environmental fees on paint and similar products that add unnecessary costs to home improvement projects and burden Maine families.

“Janet Mills has turned Maine government into a tax-and-fee collection agency that punishes families for living their lives," concluded Charles. "Maine families work hard for their money, and they deserve to keep more of what they earn. We will cut through Augusta's red tape and deliver the relief that Maine families desperately need.”

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