Stiff opposition is expected to the plan to cut the state’s income tax rate in half and raise sales and excise taxes.

A Maine family of four earning $50,000 a year would save about $647 on its state income taxes under a sweeping tax reform proposal to be aired in a public hearing today before the Legislature’s Taxation Committee.

The union representing state employees has requested a meeting with the LePage administration to discuss plans to prepare for an “inevitable” shutdown of state government.

AUGUSTA — Americans for Tax Reform, the group founded by conservative activist Grover Norquist, urged Gov. Paul LePage and state lawmakers Friday to reject a bipartisan proposal that would cut Maine’s income tax in half by raising sales and excise taxes.

AUGUSTA — Proponents of a bill that could allow the state to prohibit food stamp recipients from buying soft drinks and junk food said Friday that the taxpayer-funded program shouldn’t be used to buy food that could lead to obesity and health problems.

AUGUSTA — House Speaker Mark Eves, a North Berwick Democrat, on Friday presented a proposal designed to ensure that welfare recipients are prepared for long-term employment.