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State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

The major challenge facing Maine’s economy is the state’s plateauing workforce. To fix the state's workforce shortage, Maine must address barriers for working-age Mainers and support in-migration.

Jobs and Income

Report: The High Cost of Undervaluing Direct Care Work

Maine’s direct care workforce is in a fragile state. Low reimbursement rates for direct care work result in low pay, poor job quality, and worsening labor shortages for care providers. The consequences of undervaluing the services direct care workers provide that allow aging people, people with behavior health challenges, and people with disabilities to live with dignity are far-reaching.

Taxes and Budget

Policy Brief: Are Tax Giveaways Worth the Money?

Instead of funneling money into unproven tax giveaways, the state should invest funds in programs including housing, child care, and paid leave that will improve economic opportunities for all Mainers, advance equity, and allow people to fully participate in the workforce.

The Maine Center for Economic Policy is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of Mainers with low and moderate income.

MECEP advances equity and prosperity for all Maine people through issue-based analysis, education, and advocacy.

All

The Inflation Reduction Act makes our tax code fairer, tackles the climate crisis, and makes health care more affordable for Mainers

James Myall

Education

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State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

Report: The High Cost of Undervaluing Direct Care Work

Policy Brief: Are Tax Giveaways Worth the Money?

The Maine Center for Economic Policy is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of Mainers with low and moderate income.

State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

Tribal Sovereignty — An Explainer

New Census Bureau data shows mixed progress on income, poverty, and health

Hollywood strike highlights unfairness of film tax subsidies

Hollywood strike highlights unfairness of film tax subsidies

Good Jobs First finds business subsidies contribute to racial and wealth inequality

Maine's budget provides historic supports and fortifies the foundation for a strong economy

Property tax freeze fix would benefit older Mainers who need it most

State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

Maine minimum wage will rise to $14.15 in 2024, boosting wages for 127,000 Mainers

Brief: The state of labor organizing in Maine

Worker wins and setbacks in the 2023 legislative sessions

Survey results show a “broken” health care system in Maine

The High Cost of Undervaluing Direct Care Work

MaineCare Expansion at 4: Greater Care, Healthier Hospitals, Stronger Economy

The Inflation Reduction Act makes our tax code fairer, tackles the climate crisis, and makes health care more affordable for Mainers

Student debt cancellation would help working families, improve equity, and expand access to higher education

To help students finish their degrees and ease workforce challenges, Maine should reform transcript withholding

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is broken — let’s fix it

Protections for private student loan borrowers protect seniors and people with disabilities

State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

Tribal Sovereignty — An Explainer

New Census Bureau data shows mixed progress on income, poverty, and health

Paid Family and Medical Leave — An Explainer

Stay up to date

Wednesday Sit-Down: Breaking down Question 6

Wednesday Sit-Down: Maine's Housing Crisis

Wednesday Sit-Down: Older Mainers and Maine's workforce

Rollout of pandemic food benefit cards to schoolchildren confuses many Mainers

Wednesday Sit-Down: Maine's minimum wage