(Associated Press) Nonprofit organizations across the country are closely watching Maine as it considers becoming the first state to impose property taxes on hospitals, private colleges and summer camps under a plan being pushed by Gov. Paul LePage.
The Republican's contentious proposal has sparked a fiery debate in Maine over what impact nonprofits have on their communities and whether they should have to shoulder the costs for municipal services they consume. It's also raising questions about whether other states will follow suit if LePage's effort is successful.
"We are very much aware of it," said David Thompson, vice president of public policy for the National Council of Nonprofits. "I was talking to a group in Oklahoma about it and they looked horrified."