I’m writing today to express my support for the current bills in the Legislature that would add higher income tax brackets, with increased tax rates, on the wealthiest Mainers, so that Maine has more revenue to support health care access, housing, parents and child care providers and other essential services.

It seems that Maine has become a two-class society, of haves and have-nots. I feel that it is important for those who are fortunate enough to have the largest income to support those who earn less. 

With additional revenue, Maine could increase funding for our rural hospitals, help lower the costs of health insurance and address the affordability crises by increasing programs such as heating assistance. 

Rural hospitals in western Maine are struggling financially and are already cutting entire departments. If something is not done to reverse this trend, one or more of them may have to close altogether. This would put an unnecessary burden on all of the residents in our area.

I encourage our legislators to support these revenue-increasing measures.

Ellen Marshall
Albany Township