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 2020

After two years, Medicaid expansion delivers health care to 70,700 Mainers

Two years after Gov. Janet Mills issued Executive Order 1, implementing the voter-approved expansion of health care through Medicaid, the program is proving invaluable as Mainers continue to experience the public […]

James Myall

Posted January 13, 2021

Tags Affordable Care Act, Coronavirus, Medicaid

Jobs and Income

New year brings minimum wage increase, guaranteed paid time off for Maine workers

The new year brought new improvements to job quality for Maine workers, as the minimum wage increased and a new, statewide law to provide paid time off […]

Mario Moretto

Posted January 6, 2021

Tags Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Days, Wages

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy

Maine sees slowing jobs recovery as families face ongoing pandemic hardship

After a wave of initial improvement in the summer, Maine’s jobs recovery appears to have slowed as 2020 draws to a close, according to recently released state and federal data […]

James Myall

Posted December 22, 2020

Tags Coronavirus, Economic Security, Jobs, Unemployment

Maine’s Economy

Bipartisan plan from Collins, King represents a better start for COVID relief than GOP ‘skinny’ bill

Tens of thousands of Mainers continue to face hardship during the ongoing pandemic and economic crisis and will face an even bleaker winter if Congress does not pass a new round of […]

James Myall

Posted December 3, 2020

Tags Coronavirus, Economic Security, Federal, Food Insecurity, Housing, Revenue, Unemployment

Health Care

What will happen if the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act?

Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in California v Texas, a lawsuit backed by 18 state attorneys general and the Trump administration, which asks […]

James Myall

Posted November 18, 2020

Tags Affordable Care Act, Federal, Health Care, Medicaid, Prescription Drugs

Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy

REPORT: State of Working Maine 2020

Download the PDF version Download Introduction: Race Equity Means A Stronger, Fairer Economy for All Mainers Race equity means: A stronger, fairer economy Better job opportunities Realizing […]

James Myall

Posted November 9, 2020

Tags Economic Security, Economy, Education, Higher Education, Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Racial Equity, Wages

Maine’s Economy

Maine’s unequal pandemic recession and recovery

Maine’s economy is making a slow but steady recovery from the depths of the downturn spurred by the arrival of the coronavirus and COVID-19. But like the […]

James Myall

Posted October 20, 2020

Tags Coronavirus, Jobs, Racial Equity

Jobs and Income

New federal rules give shady lenders green light to scam Mainers

Payday lenders are exploiting loopholes to evade Maine’s consumer protection laws. Their shadowy practices are leaving Mainers in the lurch. Now, the Trump administration is floating a rule change that would let predatory corporations fleece […]

Jody Harris

Posted October 2, 2020

Tags Consumer Protection, Federal

Taxes and Budget

REPORT: Solving Maine’s Pandemic Revenue Crisis

States that responded to the Great Recession by maintaining or increasing state jobs and spending outperformed states, such as Maine, that responded with layoffs and spending cuts. […]

Sarah Austin

Posted September 28, 2020

Tags Budget, Coronavirus, Revenue, Taxes

Maine’s Economy

New Census data highlights cracks in the economy – even before COVID

New data released Thursday by the US Census Bureau show that many Mainers were already experiencing hardship before the COVID-19 pandemic and revealed the tenuous nature of the economic gains the state enjoyed in […]

James Myall

Posted September 18, 2020

Tags Coronavirus, Economic Security, Economy, Food Insecurity, Health Care, Poverty, Unemployment

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REPORT: State of Working Maine 2020

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After two years, Medicaid expansion delivers health care to 70,700 Mainers

New year brings minimum wage increase, guaranteed paid time off for Maine workers

Maine sees slowing jobs recovery as families face ongoing pandemic hardship

Bipartisan plan from Collins, King represents a better start for COVID relief than GOP ‘skinny’ bill

What will happen if the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act?

REPORT: State of Working Maine 2020

Maine’s unequal pandemic recession and recovery

New federal rules give shady lenders green light to scam Mainers

REPORT: Solving Maine’s Pandemic Revenue Crisis

New Census data highlights cracks in the economy – even before COVID