October 11, 2012

To the Lewiston Sun Journal

By Rep. Gary Knight

If you've ever seen the movie "Groundhog Day," you know how I feel. In the film, Bill Murray plays a TV weatherman who goes to Punxsutawney, Pa., to cover the Groundhog Day festivities and ends up trapped in a time warp where every day is Groundhog Day. I am reminded of that movie every time I open a newspaper these days, only to see yet another attack on me for the tax cut package that passed the Legislature last year.

Adding to the s...

July 22, 2012

To the Lewiston Sun Journal

By Rep. Gary Knight

A recent Sun Journal column by Sen. John Patrick left me speechless. As House chair of the Legislature's Taxation Committee, I realize that tax policy is complicated. However, I had never seen so many major errors in any article about taxes, starting with the most fundamental facts.

The July 15 column - "Big tax cuts for the rich, crumbs for the middle and working class" - argues essentially that because Republicans cut income taxes,...

June 12, 2012

AUGUSTA - One of the least publicized actions of the 125th Legislature will begin July 1, when the Maine Board of Tax Appeals is established, overhauling the procedures for appealing decisions by the State Tax Assessor.

Under the new system, taxpayers will have the right to appeal adverse decisions to the Board or Superior Court under "de novo" standards, meaning the appellant can begin fresh, with new facts, new arguments or new evidence. Indeed, even a final decision of the Board of Tax ...

May 30, 2012

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul LePage has signed into law a bill that will provide significant economic support for Maine students who graduate with degrees in so-called STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The bill, LD 835, strengthens an existing program, Opportunity Maine. It provides a refundable tax credit of up to $40,000 for students who graduate from a Maine community college or university in one of those subjects and stay in Maine to work.

The traditional...

November 30, 2011

House Republican Office

November 21, 2011

For more information:

Jay Finegan, 287-1445

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ray Wallace sworn in as Legislature's newest member

AUGUSTA - State Rep. Ray Wallace was sworn into office today by Governor Paul LePage after winning a special election to fill a vacant seat in House District 24.

Rep. Wallace (R-Dexter) said he was motivated to run for office by the reform agenda championed by the Republican majorities in the House and Senate...

May 5, 2011

AUGUSTA - Landmark legislation to revamp Maine's health insurance market cleared a critical hurdle today in the House of Representatives by a vote of 76-72. The measure, designed to generate more competition and bring rates closer to national norms, now moves to the Senate. Final enactment votes in both bodies could come as early as next week.

"The people of our state are the winners today," said House Speaker Robert Nutting. "For years, reasonable proposals to fix a dysfunctional health insur...

January 10, 2011

AUGUSTA - State Rep. Gary Knight has been named House chair of the Taxation Committee, putting him in position to shape legislation on issues ranging from tax policy to municipal revenue sharing.

Rep. Knight (R-Livermore Falls), now in his third term, brings strong experience to his new post. He served on the Taxation panel during the last two Legislatures, and his educational and professional background provides a solid base of expertise. He holds a degree in economics from Colby College a...