There’s common ground on reducing the state income tax, but they disagree on how much and who benefits.

Opponents and the media ‘poisoned’ public discussion of the legislation, David Burns says, a day after it was revealed that three Republican leaders were co-sponsors.

Many Maine lawmakers and state police favor the bill, saying the requirement is an ineffective burden, but others want to retain screening and oppose letting citizens ‘hide a gun.’

He revives the benefit restrictions that didn’t get far last year with a challenge to ‘liberals’ – do they work for Mainers or for ‘welfare activists?’

Sen. David Burns, a Whiting Republican, proposed a similar bill during the last legislative session.