New TV Ad Supporting Question 1A False and Misleading

Allegation that 1B would "raise property taxes next year" is utterly false, 1B proponents say

AUGUSTA, Maine (October 30, 2003) - Dana Connors, Chairman of Mainers for Real and Responsible Property Tax Relief, warned Maine voters that a new TV ad sponsored by the proponents of Question 1A, is false and misleading. The ad, which uses a graphic display of flames, states: Ò1B and 1C will keep burning your money. Because they raise property taxes next year.Ó Connors said that the claim that Question 1B would increase property taxes next year is utterly false.

ÒThe Legislature has already appropriated funds for local education for fiscal years 2004 and 2005,Ó Connors said. ÒQuestion 1B does not change education funding for either of those years, however, 1B very substantially increases aid to education beginning in fiscal year 2006 through 2010 to 55% of the cost of Essential Program and Services (EPS). Municipalities will receive the same amount of funds next year as appropriated by the Legislature whether 1B is implemented or not. The claim that 1B will result in higher property taxes next year is completely false. Indeed 1B will cut property taxes next year by nearly $15 million for eligible homeowners by expanding the Circuit Breaker program, providing direct rebates to families that would qualify under the expanded program. As 1B is phased in over next five years, all Maine homeowners will receive property tax relief through extension of the Homestead Exemption.Ó

Connors has asked Maine television stations to stop running the ad. (A copy of his letter is contained below.)

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(beginning of letter)
URGENT REQUEST
TO: Station Managers
DT: Oct. 30, 2003
FR: Dana Connors, Chairman
RE: Request to stop running an ad sponsored by Citizens to Reduce Local Property Taxes Statewide (ÒCitizensÓ)

On behalf of Mainers for Real and Responsible Property Tax Relief, I respectfully request you stop running a thirty second advertisement that features a graphic with flames, which states: Ò1B and 1C will keep burning your money. Because they raise property taxes next year.Ó

This statement is completely false with respect to 1B. The Legislature has already appropriated funds for local education for fiscal years 2004 and 2005. Question 1B does not change education funding for either of those years. Municipalities will receive the same amount of funds next year as appropriated by the Legislature whether 1B is implemented or not. The claim that 1B will result in higher property taxes next year is completely false.

The attached official document (OFPR, Maine Legislature, 8-25-03 ÒComparison of Citizens InitiativeÉÓ) shows no change between ÒCurrent LawÓ and ÒLegislatures Competing MeasureÓ (1B) for FY2005 with the state share of education at 49% for both.

Under the FCCÕs public interest standard, it is against public policy to air false or misleading statements ö even if they are contained in political advertisements. To air false or misleading statements is a disservice to the community. Pursuant to FCC licenses and their own ethical codes of practice, stations have an obligation to determine that the statements in political (non-candidate) ads are not false or misleading. The ad in question cannot satisfy this most basic test. The claims made by Citizens in this ad are patently and irrefutably false.

NOTE: Please contact Larry Benoit at 228-7353 for further assistance.
(end of letter)