text: “They’ve taxed the smoker to death, and now they’re coming after restaurants,” she said. “Don’t tax me. Cut your spending.”
  The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee gave unanimous, bipartisan support early Friday to a compromise two-year state budget that proposes to raise the meals-and-lodging tax by 1 percent and increase the general sales tax by 0.5 percent. The hikes are scheduled to end in two years and are designed to restore cuts to municipal aid that local officials said would force them to raise property taxes.
  The budget also temporarily restores longevity and merit pay for state workers. It faces House and Senate votes — and consideration by Gov. Paul LePage — before it becomes final.
  Scott Cowger, a former Democratic state lawmaker who co-owns Maple Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast Inn and Conference Center in Hallowell, said while coastal and southern Maine businesses rely on tourists, those inland often cater to Mainers. So while tax experts argue that raising the meals and lodging taxes will affect wealthy tourists from away the most, Cowger said that’s not true for his business.
  “In our business, the vast majority of our guests are Maine people,” he said. “We do a lot of weddings and events for folks who live here in Maine.”
  Cowger, who served on the Appropriations Committee 10 years ago while a member of the House, said he knows the struggles of balancing a state budget. He said the 0.5 percent increase in the general sales tax helps spread the pain beyond just the meals and lodging industry.