Maine lawmakers are considering legislation to require corporations to reveal the amount of state income taxes they pay. Supporters of the bill say more state level data are needed to determine the extent of corporate tax avoidance. Maura Pillsbury, tax policy analyst for the Maine Center for Economic Policy, said too often corporations use tax loopholes and accounting schemes to avoid state taxes while benefiting from millions of dollars in state subsidies and tax breaks. .
Federal workers in Maine are backing legislation to help ensure they can pay their bills in case of a government shutdown. Those who might be furloughed or required to work without pay are requesting access to state-backed, no-interest loans. Alana Schaeffer, president of the Metal Trades Council at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, said the 6,000 workers overhauling the nation s submarines deserve support. .
A trio of bills to curb oil and gas pollution is under consideration by New Mexico lawmakers. New Mexico is the country s second-largest oil producer and a top gas producer. Rep. .