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.

Thousands of Mainers lose food assistance in wake of One Big Beautiful Bill changes

MECEP Map: Economic Insights for Maine’s Legislative Districts 2025

Dive into the data to discover the economic trends in Maine’s legislative districts, and how they compare with other regions in Maine.

Taxes and Budget

Thousands of Mainers lose food assistance in wake of One Big Beautiful Bill changes

Following a national trend, over 13,000 Mainers have lost food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) since Congressional Republicans and President Trump enacted their reconciliation […]

James Myall

Posted May 13, 2026

Tags Budget, Federal, Food Insecurity, SNAP

Health Care, Maine’s Economy

2026 Session Recap: Health care and the safety net

The legislative session in 2026 was overshadowed by federal threats to food security and health care. In particular, the passage of HR 1 last year created a […]

James Myall

Posted April 30, 2026

Tags Budget, Federal, Health Care, Medicaid, SNAP

Maine’s Economy

2026 Session Recap: Immigration and tribal sovereignty

The Maine legislature made mixed progress on racial equity in 2026. While there were efforts to shield New Mainers from excessive actions of federal agencies like US […]

James Myall

Posted April 30, 2026

Tags Federal, Immigration, Racial Equity, Tribal Sovereignty

Jobs and Income

2026 Session Recap: Workers and the care economy

The second session of the 132nd legislature included the passage of several laws that will improve working conditions for Mainers and make it easier to get access […]

James Myall

Posted April 30, 2026

Tags Caregiving, Child Care, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Job Quality, Jobs

Taxes and Budget

2026 Session Recap: Tax policy

By Maura Pillsbury and Mark Shaffer The 2026 legislative session delivered major milestones in tax fairness, including: passage of a millionaire tax signed by the governor into […]

Maura Pillsbury

Posted April 23, 2026

Tags Property Tax, Tax Fairness, Tax Havens, Taxes, Trump Tax Cuts

Taxes and Budget

What’s in the 2026 supplemental budget package

The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee (AFA) met Wednesday and recommended passage of a supplemental budget bill that raises taxes on the highest-earning Mainers and draws from […]

James Myall

Posted April 3, 2026

Tags Appropriations Committee, Budget, Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness

Maine’s Economy, Taxes and Budget

IRS data shows Maine is gaining residents from so-called “low tax” states

“Tax flight” makes for a convenient talking point. It just doesn’t match reality. The latest IRS migration data shows what we already know: people move for jobs, […]

Mark Shaffer

Posted April 1, 2026

Tags Budget, Immigration, Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes

Health Care, Maine’s Economy

Hospital pricing bill could save Mainers $200 million over 5 years

At a glance: LD 2196 would stop hospitals from raising prices too fast, saving Mainers about $203 million over five years Almost half of Maine families are […]

James Myall

Posted March 27, 2026

Tags Affordable Care Act, Economic Security, Health Care, Medicaid, Medicare

Taxes and Budget

Lawmakers need to act to avoid a $174 million budget hole next year

At a glance: Governor Mills’ budget proposal delays up to $174 million in bills — including teacher raises and tax breaks that get more expensive over time […]

James Myall

Posted March 25, 2026

Tags Budget, Federal, Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes

Taxes and Budget

Nurses and plumbers shouldn’t pay the same tax rate as multi-millionaires. LD 229 and LD 1089 change that.

LD 229 and LD 1089 would make Maine’s tax system fairer, more sustainable, and better aligned with the needs of working families and small businesses. Far from […]

MECEP

Posted March 23, 2026

Tags Budget, Child Care, Economic Security, Economy, Education, Federal, Income Tax, Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes

Policy Research

MECEP Map: Economic Insights for Maine’s Legislative Districts 2025

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Thousands of Mainers lose food assistance in wake of One Big Beautiful Bill changes

2026 Session Recap: Health care and the safety net

2026 Session Recap: Immigration and tribal sovereignty

2026 Session Recap: Workers and the care economy

2026 Session Recap: Tax policy

What’s in the 2026 supplemental budget package

IRS data shows Maine is gaining residents from so-called “low tax” states

Hospital pricing bill could save Mainers $200 million over 5 years

Lawmakers need to act to avoid a $174 million budget hole next year

Nurses and plumbers shouldn’t pay the same tax rate as multi-millionaires. LD 229 and LD 1089 change that.