Circuit Breaker Starting Again... Claim YOUR $$$

Every year, the State of Maine provides a refund to eligible residents to help alleviate the cost of property taxes and rent in the state.

The program is starting August 1st for taxes/rent paid in 2007. It is very simple to apply. You can apply online at http://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief/tnr.htm, or you can find a paper application at your local City office building or library.

According to the Maine.gov website, You may qualify for a refund if:

• you do not have a spouse or dependent(s) and your 2007 household income was $60,000 or less; or


• you do have a spouse or dependent(s) and your 2007 household income was $80,000 or less
  

AND

• Your 2007 property tax was more than 4% of your 2007 household income; or


• The rent you paid in 2007 was more than 20% of your 2007 household income.

Be sure to file for your refund!!!

Is a Cooperative Store a good choice for Lewiston?

On Tuesday, July 15th, Empower Lewiston convened a meeting to discuss the possibility of starting a Cooperative Store downtown in Lewiston. Some things we learned:

• Cooperative Store: Owners have stake, “shares”, vote. Bylaws. Can be for profit or not-for-profit.
  Three different types:

1. No Equity
2. Low equity: adjust for inflation/little profit (If trying to keep
affordable for all, this is the way to go)
3. Market Rate Equity

• There are models other than co-ops that should also be considered
  o Buying food in bulk
  o Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Paying upfront for a share of produce from a farm. Usually involves once/week pick-ups or drop-offs. The produce is divided amongst the share holders and what is in harvest, is what you receive
  o Incentives to local stores who supply fresh produce
  
  So, what do you think??? We would love to hear your ideas. Are you interested in starting a co-op in downtown and being a member? Do you think a different model would work better? We need YOU! Your participation is what will make this successful for you and your community. Subscribe to our blog, post your comments, let us know what you think… and feel free to attend our next meeting:
  
  Next Meeting: Tuesday August 12th from 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
  Located at the Nutrition at 208 Bates Street