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clean house [by zip100 on June 25, 2008]
about 2008 Legislative Document (House) 2319 (To Promote Filmmaking in the State)
Either these drunken sailors curb their appetite for our money, or we have got to clean house in November.
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That about sums it up [by Anonymous Citizen on May 20, 2008]
about 2008 Legislative Document (House) 2319 (To Promote Filmmaking in the State)
This sums up the Maine legislature and includes both parties - STUPID. The only way Maine is going to fix its problems is to GROW out of them. Providing incentives for businesses to come to Maine and provide real jobs (not Government jobs) and expand the tax base is the only solution. Until more moderate and conservative voices in both parties can wrestle control of this state away from the loony left, expect more of the same stupidity.

Lower taxes, invest in infrastructure, and continue to provide quality education and we will grow our way out of this mess. Otherwise, Maine will just continue to be Massachusetts north - corrupt, expensive, and irrelevant.
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stupid [by Anonymous Citizen on May 17, 2008]
about 2008 Legislative Document (House) 2319 (To Promote Filmmaking in the State)
That was stupid. God forbid we provide jobs in this state and give people a chance to experience film.
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ban all toll boths [by Anonymous Citizen on May 17, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2056 (To Conserve Gasoline and Preserve Clean Air)
Why don't we just remove all toll boths and free up our transportation so that business can thrive here.
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deferred real estate taxes [by pokey on April 18, 2008]
about 2008 Legislative Document (House) 2310 (To Permit Persons 65 Years of Age or Older To Defer Payment of Property Taxes)
Has this bill been signed into law as of 4/18/08 ? Seems like the state will incur at least several $million additional annual debt if this is signed into law. Will the homeowner be charged interest?
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Companies aren't dumb [by Petro Mole on April 4, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2056 (To Conserve Gasoline and Preserve Clean Air)
Had this Representative bothered to call my company about the need to waste Legislators time, we would have informed him that the high price of diesel has encouraged companies to address this issue already…no need for this Bill. The biggest issue for any trucking company is diesel, tire and maintenance cost. Our transport fleet had the CADEC computer systems installed over 15 years ago. It is able of monitoring driver hours, speed, down time…and idling time. Our company has made a point to review these reports with drivers to insure our expectations are met.


If said Representative was so concerned about idling time why not double the tolls on the south bound lane of the Maine Turnpike and do away with the north bound toll booths in the Kennebunk area all together. Talk about idling time!

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Trucking woes [by Anonymous Citizen on March 31, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2056 (To Conserve Gasoline and Preserve Clean Air)
Why is our government wasting time limiting the idleing activities of commercial drivers? There are many more important issues that need to be covered. How much is enforcement of this legislation going to cost (and don't say $0 because it will cost)? Is this yet another plan to increase revenue to control an out of control budget? Were any truck drivers consulted during the drafting of this legislation?
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Hiding? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 31, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 872 (To Exempt Military Pensions and Survivors' Benefit Payments from State Income Tax)
Always interesting how they go to voice vote when killing a piece of legislation. No trail left behind for voters to follow.
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Loss of Revenue! [by Anonymous Citizen on March 31, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 529 (To Encourage Newly Retired Veterans To Reside in Maine)
Very shortsighted. The passage of this bill would have attracted recent military retirees to the state of Maine in droves...bringing with them federal retirement dollars and college educations and discretionary spending. Most retirees will hold second jobs generating income tax dollars on those jobs. Now I am sure most will go to the states that do not tax military retirement pay. It never fails to amaze me!
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LD 1833 [by Anonymous Citizen on March 26, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 1833 (To Provide Property Tax and Income Tax Relief)
Strangely enough Rep. Hotham is no longer in the legislature having resigned back in 2007. He was (R) as well.
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welfare state [by canibuyavowel on March 25, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 1997 (To Fully Fund School Breakfast from Kindergarten to Grade 12)
Here's an idea. No benefits until you're a Maine citizen for 2 years and definitely a US citizen. Why are we a sanctuary state? We are losing this state and our wonderful country. Not God Damn America, God Bless America
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Inflationary [by FreeOne on March 22, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 1697 (To Ensure Fair Wages)
Increases in minimum wages are a guise to increase revenue. These increases force wages and prices upward, and the only true beneficiary is the tax collector. Printing more dollars is bad enough for inflation, we do not need this to add to our problems.
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An act to increase tax revenues [by Petro Mole on March 20, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 1697 (To Ensure Fair Wages)
As a business person every time a minimum wage increase occurs I raise the prices on a bunch of different products in my store. I do this a good 30 days before the minimum wage increase takes effect making it possible to cover the increase. I’ve noticed that a number of businesses who employ people at the minimum wage level do the same thing. So… if the minimum wage employee pays more for everything he/she buys they end up no better off then they were before. The individual who doesn’t enjoy a raise or is paid a fixed salary is worse off, because their pay doesn’t increase yet they are paying more for everything they buy. There is one group that benefits and that would be the State Revenue Service. They will enjoy more sales tax on the products sold and they will collect more income tax. Yippee for them. :(
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Kudos to Rep Brautigam [by Anonymous Citizen on March 16, 2008]
about 2008 Legislative Document (House) 2224 (To Require Legislators and Their Dependents To Be Enrolled in Dirigo Health)
Now here is a piece of legislation worth consideration!
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How Stupid Is This? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 14, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 2004 (To Establish the Department of Substance Abuse Services)
Why not go ahead and expand this to include separate cabinet-level offices for Parking-In-A-Handicapped-Zone, Spitting-On-A-Sidewalk and how about one for Idiot-Legislators-Wasting-Time-With-Stupid-Laws??
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I'm confused [by Anonymous Citizen on March 13, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 1997 (To Fully Fund School Breakfast from Kindergarten to Grade 12)
Which problem are we working on today? Is it hunger or obesity? It seems we're always trying to stamp out one or the other.
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U Maine Funding [by Anonymous Citizen on March 13, 2008]
about 2008 Legislative Document (Senate) 315 (Authorizing a General Fund Bond Issue To Improve the Quality and Safety of Science and Teaching Laboratories, General Classrooms and Libraries at Maine's Public Universities)
U Maine fiscal irresponsibility appears to be an ongoing problem; see Portland Paper regarding USM overspending by millions of dollars. No more funding should be approved until UM puts in place a realistic accounting system and holds people who handle monies, responsible for blatant mistakes and general fical carelessness.
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Keep it Dead [by zip100 on March 10, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 427 (To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Recreational Facilities)
What a moronic way, in the condition this state is in, to propose spending a quarter of a million of our tax dollars.

In my opinion, whoever needs to excercise should take advantage of the great [and state-subsidized] outdoors. Enough already.
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Welfare State [by Anonymous Citizen on March 5, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 1997 (To Fully Fund School Breakfast from Kindergarten to Grade 12)
Didn't you know? We are the Welfare State -- the State encourages those that don't want to work to come to Maine and receive all these free benefits. It keeps Democrats in office -- Democrats like to attract those who are dependent on them so that they will keep voting them into office. Who cares about the hardworking Maine taxpayer -- the State will continue over-taxing us until we all have to leave the state -- who then will support these poor, unfortunate leaches?! The State needs to cut spending -- the place to start is with welfare benefits!
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Reduce Spending! [by Anonymous Citizen on March 5, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2034 (To Prohibit the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors)
The Maine Legislature has followed the trend of our Nation. Spend! Spend! Spend! Even if you don't have the money. It's the American way -- credit card debt, mortgages ending in foreclosure -- where does it end? The Legislature has to tighten their belt. As my father preached to me -- if you can't afford it, do without! I followed his advise and am debt-free. The Legislature should do the same!! We can't afford their un-audited spending and the higher taxes that follow.
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Good [by Anonymous Citizen on March 3, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 718 (To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Stimulate the Midcoast Economy)
Death to all bonds. Bonds = Debt.
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Driver's License for Illegals [by Anonymous Citizen on February 27, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2034 (To Prohibit the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors)
I find it ironic that a person who is not a citizen can obtain a driver's license without difficulty but a person who was born and raised in Maine and just happens to be over the age of 62 does not have the same privileges. Once a person has a driver's license in this state, it is as good as a Visa or Master Card with unlimited use.
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What the @#$% [by jroy6 on February 26, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2034 (To Prohibit the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors)
This is what Augusta is wasting time on. What about illegals streaming to Maine for drivers licenses. Someone please grow a back bone and do some important work
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ENERGY DRINKS [by vhaunt on February 25, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2034 (To Prohibit the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors)
Mickey Mouse is not dead. Use our tax money to do real work. Ever thought of reducing the tax burden?
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ROTFLMAF [by zip100 on February 24, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 573 (To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for the Western Maine Creative Arts Center)
"Creative Arts?" "Creative economy?" What are they drinking in Augusta? Now that I'm signed up to get e-mail alerts on these stupid bonds, I see that there is no end to them . . . I was under the impression typically we had to contend with a low number of bonds for a lot of future debt. But no---it's a non-ending stream of bonds for a non-ending stream of debt at taxpayers' expense. If the private donors and foundations don't want to support this nonsense, we certainly should not be forced to. Another good kill.
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Good Call [by zip100 on February 23, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 612 (To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Capital Improvements for the Maine Community College System)
It needed to be killed. Bond money is not magically floating somewhere waiting to be grabbed for our benefit. Bond money is a commitment to further debt. Haven't we had enough of that?
Bond = loan + interest rate = future debt. There are strings attached and I, for one, have had enough of them!
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pinch me [by zip100 on February 23, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 1149 (To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Improve Child Care Facilities in Maine)
A dead bond in our debt-happy land? Somebody pinch me.
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Wasted time [by cbechard on February 22, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2034 (To Prohibit the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors)
Yes I agree , more wasted time and money. Maybe we should cut back the time they are in session??
They don't get anything done anyway..

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contractor [by Denny C on February 21, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 591 (Regarding Occupational Safety and Health Training for Workers on State-funded Construction Projects)
This is a mandate. Massachusetts has a similar law. This would amount to about a $150 fee for the OSHA 10 course which is almost as useless as OSHA itself. This cost would be carried by the employer in some cases and the employee in others. Costs aside, it would be just another example of the endless chasm of compliance laws Maine is using right now to make sure small business cannot prosper.
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What's next? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 21, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2034 (To Prohibit the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors)
Just because he can't control his children doesn't mean the Legislature should volunteer for the job.
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Good Call [by zip100 on February 21, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 863 (To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Acquiring Land and Water Access through the Land for Maine's Future Program)
Killed. Excellent. There's no way I want my family's income on this. This is not the business of government. Or rather, it shouldn't be until the government figures out how to MAKE its own money. In the meantime, when the only means the government has to come up with spending dough is to TAX us poor slobs, I say avoid expenses like this one. It's inappropriate. Let private foundations and individuals raise the dough. Leave us out of it altogether.
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What mandate? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 20, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 591 (Regarding Occupational Safety and Health Training for Workers on State-funded Construction Projects)
Actually, there is no mandate in this piece of legislation as no vendor is required to bid on state projects. Every vendor may choose whether or not to provide the training.
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Example of government watse. [by Petro Mole on February 19, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2034 (To Prohibit the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors)
Oh boy, yet another reason for our young people to go to New Hampshire. This is a perfect example of our government body wasting precious time when they should be addressing real issues like our State’s $200 million dollar deficit.
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amendment [by MaineVotes Editor on February 18, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 1878 (To Generate Savings by Changing Public Notice Requirements) (Emergency)
Although an amendment has been proposed, its content is still being developed. When the amendment is fully developed and the legislative committee in question moves it forward to the full Legislature, MaineVotes will report the action. Be sure you are signed up to receive our e-mail alerts to stay informed of what is happening with LD 1878.
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More Costs to taxpayers [by Anonymous Citizen on February 18, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 591 (Regarding Occupational Safety and Health Training for Workers on State-funded Construction Projects)
The passage of this amounts to another unfunded mandate by our legislators. The increased costs for training will be passed on the the Public funded construction projects. Who do you think will pay? We all will.
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Way too many laws!! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2048 (To Protect Children's Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in Toys and Children's Products)
Oh my, how did we ever exist without all of the laws we now have? The number of laws never decreases only increases. Every law passed takes away individual rights. I think someone shoudl pass a law that everytime a new law is created an old one has to be repealed.
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Too many nanny laws! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 12, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 2048 (To Protect Children's Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in Toys and Children's Products)
It is these types of legislation that are destroying the business climate in Maine. We are a nanny state. What ever happened to personal responsibility and assuring that the toys you bought your kids were safe?

As a young man I worked in a commercial apple orchard for many years. We used very potent and dangerous pesticides and sprays and were in it constantly yet I have lived for nearly 76 years. Some of these sprays had instructions on the back of the packaging to not reenter the sprayed area for two weeks yet we worked in it every day. So much for bodies full of toxin. If you are born to hang you will never drown, I believe.
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Committee Amendment? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 11, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 1878 (To Generate Savings by Changing Public Notice Requirements) (Emergency)
This piece of legislation was carried over in June 2007 and has been re-worked by the State and Local Government Committee. I could not find a link to the new amendment as reported out of committee. When and how will this site provide such details regarding pending bills?
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House Dems tax bill [by Anonymous Citizen on February 11, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 349 (To Provide a Tax Credit for the Purchase of Small Wind Power Generators for Personal or Small Business Use)
Too bad the Chamber is pushing for exactly those tax breaks for the big boys from out of state, while small Maine businesses get squeezed.

When the Taxation Committee reported out unanimous (except for one Dem) support for a tax reform bill last spring, the Chamber and the Rs squashed it like a bug.
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Is this State bankrupt yet? [by Petro Mole on February 8, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 1997 (To Fully Fund School Breakfast from Kindergarten to Grade 12)
If said “eligible” student’s family receives food stamps, will the cost of the “free” breakfast be deducted from the family’s monthly food stamp stipend? If not, it should be, and if it isn’t then this is just another handout from the people in Augusta who like to spend other peoples money. Stop the pain…Stop the spending spree!!!
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SuperNanny Legislation [by zip100 on February 8, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 1997 (To Fully Fund School Breakfast from Kindergarten to Grade 12)
Yet another effort on the part of my Senator to redistribute more of my family's money to the needier and more deserving. It was obvious this was coming as soon as the Central Maine Newspaper series on ending hunger appeared. It was just a matter of time before SuperNanny took action. I'm just surprised it took this long.
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concerned [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 349 (To Provide a Tax Credit for the Purchase of Small Wind Power Generators for Personal or Small Business Use)
The comment is right on the money, the sad fact is, Maine is driving businesess out of State and more importantly, create such an atmosphere, no one wants to subject themselves to doing business in Maine.
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Picking winners and losers [by Petro Mole on February 7, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 349 (To Provide a Tax Credit for the Purchase of Small Wind Power Generators for Personal or Small Business Use)
The difference between Maine and New Hampshire is; Maine picks certain companies or industries that they like and then proceeds to give them tax breaks. The companies that don’t make the nice list are saddled with paying the extra taxes. New Hampshire, on the other hand, has decided not to pick favorites and simply has a low tax rate for everyone. Stop manipulating the masses via tax policy and vote for low taxes for everyone!
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Free market or bust! [by Petro Mole on February 7, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 2 (To Provide a Tax Credit for the Purchase of a Hybrid or Clean Fuel Vehicle)
I’m tired of our state government picking who the winners and losers are. I believe in the free market…let the customer choose. Soon these state bureaucrats are going to place a carbon tax on petroleum products (as if the price wasn’t expensive enough!) then they’ll allow a tax break to whatever alternative fuel strikes their fancy, thus artificially making the alternative fuel look attractive. Keep the government out of my life. This is supposed to be the land of the free!
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swanee [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 2 (To Provide a Tax Credit for the Purchase of a Hybrid or Clean Fuel Vehicle)
how can this bill be passed by voice vote on june 6, 2008 when its only 2-6-08 today ???
maybe this is what happens when you work under the "Dome" in Augusta
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Clean energy [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 2 (To Provide a Tax Credit for the Purchase of a Hybrid or Clean Fuel Vehicle)
Great idea. Maine has a long history of supporting the environment. Shouldn't we reward citizens who do the same when they buy a clean car?
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swanee [by swanee on February 2, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 1180 (To Promote Transportation Planning, Increase Efficiency and Reduce Sprawl)
I was just pondering as to where these state grants come from.. seems like they must come from somewhere ,At a time that the state is struggling to cover deficits ,I hope they are not coming from the backs of the taxpayers....just wondering, humm..
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Good Decision [by Concerned Mainer on January 26, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (House) 125 (To Expedite a Workers' Compensation Case)
Good for the Legislature on this one.
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Stealing non-existant money from phony "tax relief" fund [by Anonymous Citizen on January 3, 2008]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 952 (Allocate certain tax relief funds for EITC low income worker subsidies )
Jeez, they can't even leave untouched the non-existant money in this phony fund that's supposed to pay for income tax rate relief. Let me get this straight: If the legislature doesn't spend every penny it takes in (hah!), then some of the leftover goes into the "rainy day fund," and anything that's left after that goes into the "taxpayer relief fund." Yeah, right - when was the last time any of that happened? But even that pathetic, phony gesture is too much for Sen. Courtney - he wants to use half the non-existant money for more EITC welfare.
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Oh lovely . . . [by Anonymous Citizen on October 9, 2007]
about 2007 Legislative Document (Senate) 2 (To Provide a Tax Credit for the Purchase of a Hybrid or Clean Fuel Vehicle)
A tax break for sanctimonious rich people, so that Joe Citizen can pick up part of the cost for them to buy a Toyota Pious.
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