LePage Seeks Tax Plan Support in State of the State Address

Maine Gov. Paul LePage is calling on lawmakers to support his plan to overhaul the state's tax code.

In his State of the State address on Tuesday, the Republican governor said that Maine's tax system in antiquated and must be modernized. He said his proposal would shift some of the tax burden away from Mainers and onto tourists.

LePage is proposing to slash the personal income tax while raising and expanding the sales tax.

In his roughly 50 minute speech, the governor sharply criticized the Maine Municipal Association, which is fighting his plan to eliminate revenue sharing. He said the group pits local officials against taxpayers.

The governor also touted his efforts to overhaul welfare, like implementing drug testing for some recipients and putting photos on benefit cards.