AARP Members' Reactions to TABOR in Maine

During the recent public debate in Maine on tax reform, AARP has taken an active role in providing information on the potential effects of various reform proposals. Thus, AARP commissioned this qualitative study to gauge members' reactions to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) in the state of Maine.

Four focus groups were conducted in total: two groups in Portland on May 17, 2006, and two groups in Auburn on May 18, 2006.

Key findings include:

• Most participants have little awareness of TABOR.
• Participants are receptive to the idea of a tax cap, despite defeating the Palesky Tax Cap in 2003.
• Proponents of TABOR can use a small number of simple and powerful messages to gain support for the measure.
• Opponents will need to use more complicated messages that are carefully crafted.
• AARP can serve its constituency by providing information on the initiative.

A total of 42 AARP members participated in the four focus groups.  The discussion guide and screener were developed by Market Decisions in consultation with AARP.  For more information, contact Katherine Bridges at 207-776-6301. (44 pages)