My family and I recently moved back home to Maine, and were fortunate to be able to buy a house we love in a wonderful community. As a first-time homeowner, I’m learning about all the other joys that come with homeownership, from regular upkeep to unforeseen repairs. A few months ago, our washing machine backed up and flooded the kitchen ceiling below it. That was a fun day.

It’s all worth it to own our own home, of course. And it has been more manageable thanks to provisions such as the mortgage interest and property tax deductions. In addition to us, these provisions have reportedly helped and been claimed by three-quarters of Maine homeowners with a mortgage.

So it was troubling to learn that the state Legislature is considering ending these provisions, which have benefited so many middle-class homeowners. Home ownership is an investment in our state and our communities. It would be a shame if it got any harder for Mainers than it already is.

Jeremy Cluchey, Bowdoinham

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