CFPB takes first step with new federal payday lending rule, but Maine must be on guard

Just yesterday, the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a new rule that will reduce the harm to Maine families of short-term payday lending. But the […]

SOWM 2017 Chartbook

New Report: State of Working Maine 2017

The State of Working Maine 2017 presents a comprehensive analysis of the economic, demographic, and workforce trends that impact the quality and quantity of jobs in Maine. […]

#DefendDACA: Dreamers are good for jobs and the economy 

New Mainers are part of the solution to Maine’s demographic problems and help us fill labor needs. Beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or “Dreamers”, […]

Proposed RAISE act immigration limits would harm Maine's economy

New Mainers tend to be better-educated and younger than Maine’s general population. In addition, the rate of small business ownership tends to be higher among minorities and immigrants than Maine’s population overall. This is the kind of entrepreneurial spirit on which America was founded and built.

A New Great Depression in Rural Maine

New data released by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis provide more evidence of Maine’s lackluster economy, and the failure of policies pursued by Governor LePage and his […]

Testimony in Support of LDs 1199 and 1242 (consumer financial protection)

The debt buying industry, primarily out-of-state companies, threatens and deceives consumers to collect on debts they know are inaccurate. LDs 1199 and 1242 will put in place […]

Testimony in Opposition to LD 1164 An Act To Facilitate Small Loans in Maine

Seniors, veterans, and all Maine families and individuals who are doing their best to get by in difficult times need fair and responsible resources that will truly […]

Testimony in Support of LD 1008, An Act To Establish the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial and Ethnic Populations

Maine’s economic future hinges on our ability to attract, retain, and maximize the contributions of racial and ethnic populations. Relative to other states and nations, Maine is […]