Policy Insights 2021

Our semi-annual conference brought people together (virtually) to tackle the big policy issues facing Maine’s families, communities, and economy.

For our virtual Policy Insights conference this year, we set out to give attendees the information they need to understand and influence the most important policy discussions facing our state. Our sessions focused on the fiscal policy necessary to build an equitable COVID recovery, the intersection of economic and racial justice, and how to build a stronger, fairer economy for all Mainers for generations to come.

Panel: Advancing Economic Justice Through Racial Equity

Policies that prioritize race equity will help Maine live up to our basic ideas of fairness while strengthening our economy by raising incomes, increasing productivity, and creating jobs. In this session, a panel of experts and advocates joined MECEP for a conversation about what it will take to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous economy for all Mainers.

Panelists:

James Myall, Economic Policy Analyst and author of State of Working Maine 2020, Maine Center for Economic Policy
Arlo Hennessey, Work with Dignity Program Director, Southern Maine Workers’ Center
Nsiona Nguizani, President, Angolan Community Of Maine
Nicole Clegg, Vice President of Public Policy, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
John Ochira, Outgoing President, South Sudanese Community Association

Moderator: Michael Kebede, Policy Counsel, ACLU of Maine, and Maine Center for Economic Policy Board Member

Interview: How Raising Taxes Will Help Build a Stronger Future

In this session, Maine People’s Alliance deputy director and MECEP board member Ben Chin interviewed MECEP tax and budget analyst Sarah Austin about Maine’s broken tax code, and how progressive policies to clean up the tax system can help address Maine’s long unmet needs.

Panel: Putting Fiscal Policy Solutions into Action

In this session from our virtual Policy Insights conference, a panel of state and federal policy experts from around the country discussed how to build effective pro-revenue campaigns that secure policy victories, build the progressive movement, and shift the conversation about taxes and public investment.

Panelists:

Mario Moretto, Communications Director, Maine Center for Economic Policy
Claire Guzdar, Director of Campaigns and Partnerships, Groundwork Collective
Brandon McKoy, Executive Director, New Jersey Policy Perspective
Amber Wallin, Deputy Director, New Mexico Voices for Children

Moderator: Alec Maybarduk, Executive Director, Maine Service Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989

Special thanks to this year's sponsors:

The Bingham Program

John T. Gorman Foundation

Maine Community Foundation

Maine Health Access Foundation

Maine Initiatives