WASHINGTON -- Grocer Manufacturers of America here said Maine's decision to repeal its selective tax on snack foods represents a "hard fought victory for consumers" and continues a trend among governments to turn aside "unfair, regressive, and discriminatory" tax plans.
titions to place the measure on the ballot if the proposal was not enacted by the legislature, the association said.
Over the last several years, GMA said it worked with in-state allies to garner support for the repeal effort.
"We are grateful to the legislature and Governor King for enacting this long-sought victory for Maine consumers," said Chip Kunde, GMA vice president, state affairs. "Maine is following the trend of other states like Maryland, California, and Oregon, which have overturned unfair and regressive selective food taxes in recent years. Washington's city council is considering a similar repeal effort this year, the association added.
The GMA said the 5.5% tax enacted in Maine in 1991 affects such grocery staples as crackers, bread sticks, ice cream, frozen yogurt, muffins, pies, cookies, cakes, gelatin, puddings, hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, breakfast bars and roasted nuts.
