,,,The Impact on Maine's Budget of Allowing Same-Sex Couples to Marry

The Impact on Maine's Budget of Allowing Same-Sex Couples to Marry


 

Publication Date: May 2009

Publisher:

Author(s): M.V. Lee Badgett; Michael D. Steinberger; Brad Sears; Christopher Ramos

Research Area: Government; Social conditions

Keywords: Maine; gay; marriage; Budget

Type: Report

Coverage: Maine

Abstract:

This analysis estimates the impact of allowing same-sex couples to marry on Maine's state budget. We estimate that allowing same-sex couples to marry will result in a net gain of approximately $7.9 million each year for the State. This net impact will be the result of savings in expenditures on state means-tested public benefits programs and an increase in revenue from state sales and income taxes and marriage license fees.