Media Advisory: Maine's Reputation as High Tax State Topic of Wednesday, March 21 Bernstein Shur Forum in Portland

• WHAT: “Taxes in Maine – The Assumptions, The Reality, The Future”
  
  
• WHEN: Wednesday, March 21, 3 to 6 p.m.
  
  
• WHERE: Hannaford Lecture Hall in the Abromson Center on the USM campus - 88 Bedford Street in Portland – (directions below)
  
  
• WHAT: NOT about TABOR, this forum will explore how Maine’s tax policies affect businesses, both large and small; how Maine compares to other states in the areas of tax burden, incentives and attracting business. Panelists will also examine specific tax policies and possible solutions such as changes to the lodging tax, sales tax, homestead exemption, the estate tax and other tax issues.
  
  
• WHY COVER: Lively discussion about important issue impacting all Mainers. Expert views from both inside and outside Maine. Solutions provide strong news hook.
  
  
• WHO: Sponsored by Bernstein Shur (www.bernsteinshur.com)
  Panelists and speakers include:
  Former Gov. Angus King, Moderator, of counsel, Bernstein Shur
  Dr. Michael Allen, Director, Maine Revenue Services
  Mathew C. Jacobson, President and CEO, Maine & Company
  Jonathan L. Sangster, Senior Managing Director, CBRE Consulting, a national corporate relocation expert
  Nelson Toner, chair of the Bernstein Shur Tax Practice Group and a leading tax attorney in the state
  Kay Rand, managing director of Bernstein Shur Government Solutions affiliate and former chief of staff to Gov. King
  Panel discussion with audience to follow.
  
  
• MEDIA
  CONTACT: For interviews with Kay Rand, Nelson Toner or Angus King the day of the event (or day before), call Rand Ardell at Bernstein Shur 774-1200 or 228-7254.