Rep. Jackson appointed to Taxation Committee

AUGUSTA — State Representative Roger Jackson (R-Oxford) has been assigned to the Legislature’s Taxation Committee for the 126th Legislature of 2013-2014. Jackson was elected last November for the first time and represents the communities of Mechanic Falls, Otisfield and Oxford.

“I am very happy to be serving on the Taxation Committee, where some of the most important pieces of legislation that affect Mainers’ wallets begin or end,” said Rep. Jackson. “I am a strong believer that taxes should be low, fair and simple, and I’ll be working on the committee with that in mind.”

As a member of the Oxford Board of Selectmen and a small business owner, Jackson is using his expertise to focus on improving county government and boosting economic activity in Oxford County.

Jackson has sponsored a bill, titled “An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Limitation on County Assessments,” which greatly simplifies the calculation of counties’ property tax levy limits without compromising the public interest or property tax levels.

“It basically allows county government to run more efficiently, and was requested by Oxford County officials,” said Rep. Jackson.

Rep. Jackson also sponsored legislation to install signs on Interstate 95 pointing visitors toward Oxford Casino. The signs would not be billboards, but Department of Transportation signs meeting size and style requirements that allow them to comport with Maine’s tradition of highways free from commercial advertisement that interfere with the state’s reputation for natural beauty. The bill is designed to bring more economic activity to the Oxford area.

“We don’t want to start putting up billboards all over the highway, but there are signs pointing visitors to many attractions throughout the state, and I think Oxford Casino should be one of them,” added Rep. Jackson.

Rep. Roger Jackson can be reached at reproger.jackson@legislature.maine.gov.