MECEP Publications

Maximizing Maine's Educational Investments, Optimizing Results

info@mecep.org (Kurt Wise and Alexis Mann) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EDT

"Uniform data collection and benchmarking" describes a process and a plan to ensure that Maine's investments in K-12, post-secondary education and workforce training are properly aligned and produce meaningful and measurable results. In this issue of Choices we examine how Maine stands to benefit from such a system, which obstacles Maine has yet to overcome, and the most important preliminary steps that must be taken.

Climate Change and Energy Efficiency in Maine

info@mecep.org (Stephen Ward) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The multi-state regional greenhouse gas initiative (RGGI) is a road test for a workable cap and trade system for the rest of the country. Last year, Maine began to benefit from revenue generated from RGGI targeted for improvements in energy efficiency, energy infrastructure and lower electric bills. The state still needs to make some improvements to RGGI and this paper recommends a few options.

The Growing Latin American Influence

info@mecep.org (Maine Center for Economic Policy) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Nearly 16,000 Hispanics live in Maine. From 2000 to 2007, Maine's Hispanic population grew by 67% compared to 3.3% growth for the total population. This report documents the contributions of Maine's growing Latino population focusing on first and second generation Latinos. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research, we follow the demographic trends, economic contributions and varied experiences associated with the state's growing Hispanic population.

Securing our Future During an Economic Downturn

info@mecep.org (Nicholas Johnson, Garrett Martin and Kurt Wise) — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Maine's current budget shortfall requires legislators to meet the challenge without exacerbating the effects of the national and global economic crisis. Maine is one of many states in the same predicament. In this Choices we explore options lawmakers have to both increase revenue and cut costs.

Now is the Time for Tax Reform. Can LD 1088 Deliver?

info@mecep.org (Kurt Wise) — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

It is possible and desirable to restructure Maine's tax system to achieve greater reliability and fairness. In this issue we make the case for reforming Maine's current tax structure and lay out our guiding principles for tax reform.

Weakening the Estate Tax: Putting our Future Prosperity at Risk

info@mecep.org (Nicole Witherbee, Ph.D.) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In 2001, Congress passed legislation that would lead to the phasing out of the estate tax. This tax affects only a very few wealthy Americans but full repeal would add more than $800 billion to our federal deficit by 2021. President Obama has proposed compromises to extend current levels into the future. This Choices explores the options.

National Health Reform: Lessons from Maine

info@mecep.org (Garrett Martin and Douglas Rooks) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

National health reform is our nation's most pressing issue and it's clear some far-reaching legislation will be enacted this year. In 2003, Maine, unable to wait for national reform, began its own path toward reform. Our experience, successes and shortcomings can inform the national debate. This report examines lessons learned in Maine that can be applied to national reforms.

TABOR II

info@mecep.org (Kurt Wise) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This November Maine voters will once again face a TABOR initiative. It was a bad idea in 2006 when voters rejected the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights and it is an even worse idea now when we are facing recessionary spending levels. This issue of Choices presents the four core dangers of TABOR II

An Ecotourism Brand for Rural Maine

info@mecep.org (David Vail) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

David Vail directs MECEP's "Spreading Prosperity to All of Maine" project and teaches economics and environmental studies at Bowdoin. This report reflects on a five-year collaboration with the Swedish Ecotourism Society. Rural Sweden is not unlike Maine and provides a good starting point for designing a Maine ecotourism brand which could spur economic development in Maine's rim counties.

MECEP 2008 Annual Report

info@mecep.org — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

2008 marked MECEP's 14th year and a new era of hope for progressive ideas. It was also a year of economic upheaval. Thanks to all our supporters for a productive, fact-filled year.

A New Kind of House Call Delivers Science not Sales

info@mecep.org (Jennifer Reck) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Prescription drugs are a multi-billion dollar industry. States like Maine, under pressure from rising health care costs, are turning a critical eye on pharmaceutical marketing, questioning its impact on patient care, health care quality and costs. In this issue, we explore basic reforms to rein in costs.

The Great Recession: Getting Back to Work

info@mecep.org (Larry Mishel) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT

The Great Recession that we are in is one of the largest economic challenges this nation has faced since the 1930s. Maine and the nation must take bold steps to address job losses brought by the recession and to overcome almost 30 years of growing income inequality. This issue details these issues and recommends specific actions for getting people back to work.

The State of Working Maine: Choices for the Recession and Beyond

info@mecep.org (Garrett Martin, MECEP Associate Director) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT

A shrinking economy affects us all, especially low and moderate income workers who have been losing ground in good times and bad. To reverse these trends, policymakers must appreciate the role that government played in growing America’s middle class during the last century and take the lead in positioning us for future growth and prosperity. State policymakers must seek solutions to preserve economic security and promote economic opportunity for Maine workers now. Doing so will provide an immediate boost to economic activity and better position Maine workers to share in the rewards of a growing economy.

State Revenue and Expenditure Impact from Tax Reform

info@mecep.org — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Charts

Choices: Banking Reform: Building a Financial System for the Future

info@mecep.org (Ellen Seidman) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Two of the most potentially devastating concerns during the financial meltdown in the fall of 2008 were the near total collapse of both the residential and commercial real estate sectors and the almost immediate evaporation of capital for lending to consumers, businesses and even state and local governments.

We need to build a new financial system that is more sustainable not only for financial institutions, but more importantly for consumers, businesses and communities.

One Page Summary of Maine's Tax Reform Law

info@mecep.org — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

A one-page summary of the major provisions of the tax reform law passed in June 2009 and now subject to a "people's veto" vote to repeal it on June 8, 2010.

Tax Reform Delivers Benefits to Maine Households

info@mecep.org (Dan Coyne, MECEP Fiscal Analyst) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EDT

On June 8, 2010, Maine voters will vote on a "people's veto" which has put tax reform passed in June 2009 on hold. A "no" vote would make the law effective on January 1, 2011.

While not perfect, the tax reform law will open the door to more far reaching reforms that will make Maine's tax system fairer, assure greater state revenue stability and encourage wider economic growth that benefits more Maine people.

Tax Reform: Questions and Answers

info@mecep.org (Dan Coyne, MECEP Fiscal Analyst) — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Dan Coyne answers common questions about Maine's tax reforms and addresses misconceptions and false claims about the impact on Maine families

Climate Change: Maine Makes the Case for Federal Action Now

info@mecep.org (Tom Tietenberg) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EDT

In the latest in the 15 year series MECEP Choices, Colby College Mitchell Family Professor of Economics Emeritus Tom Tietenberg examines how Maine has responded to the climate change threat and what that means to the national debate on this critically important issue.

Economic Development Investments to Realize Rural Maine's Tourism Potential

info@mecep.org (David Vail) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Since 1998, MECEP has been a leader in research on the impacts and potential of tourism in Maine. In this latest edition, Professor Vail proposes a bold plan to invest $100 million over five years in infrastructure vital to tourism in Maine most rural counties.