Effort to provide relief to natural resources industries

AUGUSTA — On the final day of the legislative session, Sen. Paul Davis (R-Sangerville) received bipartisan praise for his work to ensure Maine’s agriculture, aquaculture and wood harvesting industries are supported.

Included as a provision within a bill that passed earlier in April, LD 1606, the proposal from Davis provides a sales tax exemption on fuel used in the commercial agriculture, aquaculture and wood harvesting industries. By lowering the tax burden that businesses pay for fuel products, the legislation would free up money for businesses to invest elsewhere, whether that be maintaining their current business, expanding their business or employing more Mainers.

“A sales tax exemption on fuel provides these industries with a needed boost,” said Davis. “We must support the jobs in our natural resources sector that have for so long been an integral part of Maine’s economy. Tax relief is a key way to spur economic success and encourage job growth.”

During discussion about the proposal on the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond (D-Portland) stated that Davis “has done a fabulous job highlighting something that we can do right now to help our folks that work so hard in the lumber industry.”

The tax relief goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2017.