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.

State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

Download the PDF: Full Report Summary The major challenge facing Maine’s economy is the state’s plateauing workforce. In 2003, approximately 3 percent of jobs in Maine were […]

James Myall

Posted November 20, 2023

Tags Affordable Care Act, Budget, Caregiving, Child Care, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Education, Housing, Immigration, Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Wages

Maine’s Economy

Tribal Sovereignty — An Explainer

Download the PDF version Explainer Timeline What is tribal sovereignty? There are three types of sovereign governments in the United States: the federal government, state governments, and […]

MECEP

Posted November 8, 2023

Tags Explainer, Inequality, Racial Equity, Tribal Sovereignty

Maine’s Economy

New Census Bureau data shows mixed progress on income, poverty, and health

The latest round of the American Community Survey (ACS) released by the US Census Bureau in September offers a snapshot of economic and social conditions in Maine […]

James Myall

Posted November 1, 2023

Tags Affordable Care Act, Economic Security, Health Care, Incomes, Inflation, Minimum Wage, Poverty, SNAP, Wages

Taxes and Budget

Hollywood strike highlights unfairness of film tax subsidies

As the Hollywood actors strike continues, it’s a stark reminder that all workers are essential, and no industry can operate without them. The Screen Actors Guild and […]

Maura Pillsbury

Posted October 3, 2023

Tags Corporate Power, Economy, Employment, Job Quality, Tax Breaks, Unions, Wages

Jobs and Income

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

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Policy Research

State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

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State of Working Maine 2023: Boosting Maine's Workforce

Tribal Sovereignty — An Explainer

New Census Bureau data shows mixed progress on income, poverty, and health

Hollywood strike highlights unfairness of film tax subsidies

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