Tax relief seems to be the highest priority of most Maine taxpayers. There are two things needed in our daily lives: food and shelter. I can grow and/or buy my basic food without being taxed, but to pay for education, I must pay taxes for my shelter.

I do agree that if one generation helps educate my children, then I should help the next generation in their children’s education.

However, members of the third generation, who have usually retired and are living on a fixed income, should not continue paying the maximum property tax.

I feel we should eliminate the $10,000 homestead exemption for Maine residents under 65 and give those older than 65 a $50,000 homestead deduction.

The state government needs to reduce property tax on seniors, or they will be financially forced to move away and spend their retirement money somewhere else.

Neil Farrington

South China