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.

Brief: Providing workers the support they need to enter and stay in the labor force

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

Maine’s minimum wage will increase to $14.15 per hour on January 1, 2024, according to recent inflation data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). […]

James Myall

Posted September 28, 2023

Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Minimum Wage, Wages

Taxes and Budget

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

For years, research organization Good Jobs First has been at the forefront of examining the impacts of using public money to subsidize wealthy corporations. Now in a […]

Maura Pillsbury

Posted September 7, 2023

Tags Budget, Inequality, Racial Equity, Tax Breaks, Taxes

Jobs and Income

Brief: The state of labor organizing in Maine

At a glance: Labor unions play an essential role in delivering better wages, benefits, and working conditions not just for their members, but for all workers Women […]

MECEP

Posted August 28, 2023

Tags Job Quality, Jobs, Unions

Jobs and Income

Worker wins and setbacks in the 2023 legislative sessions

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been steady gains in the overall output of Maine’s economy and workforce, employment levels, and wages for people […]

James Myall

Posted July 31, 2023

Tags Budget, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Fair Scheduling, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Overtime, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Wages

Taxes and Budget

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

This week Governor Mills signed the “part two budget” that makes historic investments — establishing a paid family and medical leave program for Maine, committing over $100 […]

Sarah Austin

Posted July 13, 2023

Tags Budget, Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Education, Employment, Family and Medical Leave, Health Care, Housing, Jobs, Seniors, Tax Fairness, Wages

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy

Paid Family and Medical Leave — An Explainer

Updated July 11, 2023 The Maine legislature voted to incorporate paid family and medical leave legislation into the budget, which Governor Mills signed and enacted. Maine is […]

MECEP

Posted July 11, 2023

Tags Economy, Employment, Explainer, Family and Medical Leave

Health Care

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

Profit-centered. Unaffordable. Confusing. This is how Mainers describe our health care system. When even people who are insured describe rationing medication, forgoing treatment, and thousands of dollars […]

James Myall

Posted June 21, 2023

Tags Health Care

Taxes and Budget

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

Maine’s property tax freeze program, also known as the property tax stabilization program, was put in place hastily at the end of last legislative session despite serious […]

Maura Pillsbury

Posted June 21, 2023

Tags Economic Security, Housing, Property Tax, Seniors, Tax Fairness

Jobs and Income

5 reasons Maine shouldn’t look to New Hampshire on Paid Family and Medical Leave

Last week, Maine’s Labor and Housing Committee voted to advance a bill which would establish a near-universal Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program for Maine workers. […]

James Myall

Posted June 9, 2023

Tags Family and Medical Leave, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Wages

Maine’s Economy

The Debt Ceiling — An Explainer

Updated August 2, 2023 The White House negotiated a deal with Republicans in June to raise the debt ceiling and curb spending, averting default. Information on this […]

MECEP

Posted June 5, 2023

Tags Debt Ceiling, Economy, Explainer, Tax Fairness

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Policy Research

Brief: Providing workers the support they need to enter and stay in the labor force

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

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

Brief: The state of labor organizing in Maine

Worker wins and setbacks in the 2023 legislative sessions

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

Paid Family and Medical Leave — An Explainer

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

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

5 reasons Maine shouldn’t look to New Hampshire on Paid Family and Medical Leave

The Debt Ceiling — An Explainer