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
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
Maine’s Economy MECEP statement on debt ceiling agreement Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) President and CEO Garrett Martin reacts to the debt ceiling agreement: “While we’re relieved the nation isn’t headed for a catastrophic […] Posted June 2, 2023 Tags Debt Ceiling, Economy
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Brief: Providing workers the support they need to enter and stay in the labor force At a glance Maine has more jobs now than before the pandemic Labor force participation has mostly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels but is not adequate to keep […] MECEP Posted May 26, 2023 Tags Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Family and Medical Leave, Inclusive Economy, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Sick Days
Taxes and Budget 10 unanswered questions about the proposed Dirigo business subsidy Governor Mills is proposing a big new tax subsidy for businesses. The Dirigo tax credit would cost an estimated $54.5 million per year and provide business tax […] Maura Pillsbury Posted May 17, 2023 Tags Corporate Power, Economic Security, Economy, Tax Breaks
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Child care legislation to benefit Maine workers and families Recent years have taught us child care workers are truly essential. Without them, other workers are forced to leave work to care for young children, costing them […] Arthur Phillips Posted May 9, 2023 Tags Child Care, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Report: Maine’s direct care system is facing a crisis due to poor pay and low staffing Stubbornly low wages have left the direct care workforce in Maine in a “fragile state,” leading to a significant labor shortage that has resulted in fewer available […] Beacon Posted April 27, 2023 Tags Caregiving, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Economy, Job Quality, Jobs, Wages
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Low pay for direct care workers is costing Maine millions, according to report Undervaluing the direct care workforce in Maine is costing the state millions each year, according to a new report from the progressive Maine Center for Economic Policy. […] Maine Public Posted April 27, 2023 Tags Caregiving, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Economy, Job Quality, Jobs, Wages
Taxes and Budget Taxes are complicated, but the way we think about tax policy doesn’t have to be When we all pitch in to pay for the services and infrastructure that build a thriving economy, everyone benefits. But if some people and corporations don’t pay […] MECEP Posted April 14, 2023 Tags Economy, Income Tax, Tax Fairness, Taxes