Policy Research

MECEP uses research to inform the work of building a stronger, more equitable economy for all Mainers, including those most often held back by policies that perpetuate economic and racial inequality.
We use credible, rigorous analysis to fuel policy recommendations to reduce inequality and create a more broadly shared prosperity.

REPORT: State of Working Maine 2021

Rising inflation is likely temporary — and the Build Back Better bill will help curb it

Over the past several months, inflation has risen relatively quickly, particularly in contrast to the past decade of exceptionally small price increases. This has led to misplaced […]

James Myall

Posted November 16, 2021

Tags Coronavirus, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Job Quality, Jobs, Unions, Wages

Maine’s Economy, Taxes and Budget

Amending Build Back Better to lift SALT cap would undermine tax fairness

As President Biden’s Build Back Better plan moves forward, Congressional leaders are considering an increase to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. Under current law, individuals […]

Sarah Austin

Posted November 10, 2021

Tags Budget, Federal, Income Tax

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy, Taxes and Budget

New research finds Biden agenda would strengthen long-term economic growth, ease inflation

On Thursday, Moody’s Analytics released an assessment of the projected macroeconomic impact of both the federal infrastructure and Build Back Better reconciliation bills. The analysis found the […]

Arthur Phillips

Posted November 4, 2021

Tags Economy, Federal

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy

REPORT: State of Working Maine 2021

Download the PDF version FULL REPORT SUMMARY Introduction The experiences of frontline workers during the pandemic offer lessons beyond the public health threat. They point to a […]

James Myall

Posted November 3, 2021

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy

Jobs report highlights continued barriers to Mainers returning to work

Today, the Maine Department of Labor released data showing a modest decline in jobs, further evidence that the September 4 expiration of supplemental unemployment support for tens […]

Arthur Phillips

Posted October 22, 2021

Tags Economy, Employment, Job Quality, Jobs, Unemployment, Wages

Maine’s Economy, Taxes and Budget

American Rescue Plan Act funding creates opportunity for Maine counties

Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to provide relief to states and localities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with its passage, an […]

Maura Pillsbury

Posted October 8, 2021

Tags Economic Security, Economy

Maine’s Economy, Taxes and Budget

Guidance for county spending of American Rescue Plan Act funds

The Maine Center for Economic Policy recently submitted this guidance to counties to help ensure ARPA funds adequately respond to local data-demonstrated needs and reduce inequality in […]

Maura Pillsbury

Posted October 8, 2021

Jobs and Income, Taxes and Budget

Build Back Better promises to transform child care

The Biden administration’s Build Back Better plan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fundamentally change the lives of working people, families, and children in Maine. Among other pillars, the plan […]

Arthur Phillips

Posted September 29, 2021

Tags Budget, Caregiving, Children, Jobs, Wages

Taxes and Budget

House Ways and Means Committee tax plan rebalances tax code, boosts incomes for Mainers

New analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found provisions in a bill recently approved by the House Ways and Means Committee would improve tax […]

Sarah Austin

Posted September 29, 2021

Tags Economic Security, Incomes, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes

Taxes and Budget

Child Tax Credit expansion reducing hunger, increasing security for Maine kids — Congress must continue this life-changing program

The Biden administration’s improvements to the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are cutting child hunger and improving economic security for families nationwide. About 4 out of 5 kids […]

Sarah Austin

Posted September 27, 2021

Tags Children, Coronavirus, Economic Security, Economy, Food Insecurity, Tax Fairness, Taxes

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REPORT: State of Working Maine 2021

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Rising inflation is likely temporary — and the Build Back Better bill will help curb it

Amending Build Back Better to lift SALT cap would undermine tax fairness

New research finds Biden agenda would strengthen long-term economic growth, ease inflation

REPORT: State of Working Maine 2021

Jobs report highlights continued barriers to Mainers returning to work

American Rescue Plan Act funding creates opportunity for Maine counties

Guidance for county spending of American Rescue Plan Act funds

Build Back Better promises to transform child care

House Ways and Means Committee tax plan rebalances tax code, boosts incomes for Mainers

Child Tax Credit expansion reducing hunger, increasing security for Maine kids — Congress must continue this life-changing program