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| "Taxes,after all, are dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society."
Franklin D. Roosevelt |
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Facts
Tax Morale
Tax compliance, also called tax morale, refers to the voluntary payment of taxes. Researchers agree that tax compliance cannot be explained by levels of enforcement since countries set the levels of audit and penalty so low that most individuals could easily evade taxes. The U. S. has a higher tax compliance rate (85%) than many
other countries. Studies show tax morale is affected by the level of government services, trust in institutions, perception of other's compliance and social norms. The United States rates high in both internal and external 'social norms' when it comes to paying taxes. Internal norms include an individual's feelings about what is right and proper. External norms include how an individual feels about the responsiveness of government. |
Figures
How much individual income taxes and payroll taxes contribute to federal revenue
15%
The amount of federal revenue generated by corporate income tax
5%
Remaining revenue from excise taxes and other sources.
$2.5 Trillion
The amount collected by the government in 2007 from all sources.
source: CBO, The Budget and Economic Outlook | |
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| Greetings!
Congratulations on paying your state and federal income taxes! In case no one applauded your contribution this year, take a moment and pat yourself on the back for supporting our system of government and way of life. |
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A budget is adopted
 It was a difficult budget year for Maine, but thanks to the work of MECEP and dozens of our partner organizations, some of the worst cuts to Maine's most vulnerable citizens were mitigated. MECEP's work over the last few months helped to move $27 million in cuts away from critical human service programs. The voice of the people was heard at the largest State House rally in 40 years, thanks to a grassroots swell of public opinion and the formation of the new Maine Can Do Better coalition. 'The budget is a moral document and should reflect Maine's long-held values of caring for its neighbors', was the resounding message. Kudos to everyone who worked so hard! Thanks to the legislators and public officials who listened. Let's continue to do better moving forward. |
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Spotlight: New report shows income inequality growing across the nation
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In the News 
A selection of press releases, articles and opinion pieces from a variety of media sources covering issues we care about.
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Reports and Publications  Lost in all the talk about the mortgage crisis, is the plight of low-income families who depend on Section 8 housing vouchers to find safe, affordable housing for themselves and their children. In this month's Choices, MECEP's federal policy analyst, Nicole Witherbee discusses the current state of this important national program and the pending Section 8 Voucher Reform Act(SEVRA) currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate. Choices: Low-Income Housing Reforms: Federal Dollars, Local Relief. |
On the Air
State of the State is our weekly cable television show about the issues facing Maine. Check here for programs, airtimes, schedules and podcasts.
Recently aired programs and shows coming up in April:
- Maine Can Do Better coalition discusses the budget crisis
- Closing the State budget gap: recommendations from the Appropriations Committee
- Finding efficiencies in natural resource protection
- Smoking, health & cigarette taxes
- Uniform building code passes the Senate
- Producing food locally, ending hunger nationally
Bob Greenstein, Executive Director of the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities (MECEP's national affiliate) speaks about climate change at Coastal Enterprises' annual meeting.
Colby College economics professor, Michael Donihue, talks about the recent Pulling Apart report on Maine Public Radio.
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Partners in Prosperity  The Maine Center for Economic Policy works in coalition with other organizations in Maine, New England and across the country to achieve its mission. This month we highlight our partnership with the Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition. For the past three years, 25 organizations, representing 100,000 people, have identified a short list of legislative priorities. In a year marked by significant fiscal challenges, environmental protection emerged as a bright area with progress on climate change, renewable energy, clean drinking water protections, energy efficiency, reducing exposure to lead and combating sprawl. For a complete list of legislative accomplishments and coalition members visit the Maine League of Conservation Voters.
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Sincerely,
Deborah Felder
Maine Center for Economic Policy |
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The gap between the richest and poorest families, and between the richest and middle-income families, grew significantly in most states over the past two decades. Inequality is growing in Maine, though at a slower rate than the nation as a whole. Pulling Apart, a State-by-State Analysis of Income Inequality is a joint research project of the 