Jobs and Income For people of color and less-educated workers, Maine unemployment figures don't tell the whole story The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released estimates showing that Maine’s unemployment rate was a seasonally-adjusted 2.9 percent in September, marking three consecutive months of the […] James Myall Posted November 1, 2019 Tags Education, Employment, Inequality, Racial Equity
Education This year, Maine teachers will spend $5.2 million of their own money on school supplies This year, Maine’s public school teachers will spend $5.2 million — an average of $356 per teacher — to keep their classrooms well stocked with school supplies.[1] […] James Myall Posted August 28, 2019 Tags Education, Incomes, Job Quality
Jobs and Income Report: Maine teachers spend hundreds of dollars of own money on classroom supplies Individuals teachers in Maine spend an average of $356 out of their own pockets on school supplies. While this amount is about a hundred dollars less than […] Beacon Posted August 27, 2019 Tags Education, Incomes, Job Quality
Education Student debt collection reform, for-profit college rules top wins for Maine consumers this year While President Donald Trump’s administration continues its efforts to systemically roll back consumer protections, Maine has made moves to protect residents and ward off financial predators. Maine’s […] Jody Harris Posted July 17, 2019 Tags Consumer Protection, Education, Higher Education, Student Debt
Health Care, Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy STATEMENT: Legislature takes action on racial inequality in Maine CONTACT Mario Moretto mario@mecep.org 207-620-1101 AUGUSTA, Maine — James Myall, policy analyst at Maine Center for Economic Policy, released the following statement following the enactment Tuesday of […] Posted June 11, 2019 Tags Education, Health Care, Inequality, Racial Equity
Education, Health Care, Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Racial inequities run deep in Maine’s systems, data shows Data published this week by the Maine Center For Economic Policy shows whether it’s economy, education, health care or criminal justice, systems in the state work better […] Seacoast Online Posted June 9, 2019 Tags Education, Health Care, Inequality, Racial Equity, Wages
Education, Maine’s Economy Student debt relief bond should include targeted aid to Mainers most at risk for default Higher education is a boon to both graduates and Maine’s economy. It increases degree holders’ lifetime earnings, improves business competitiveness, and spurs consumer spending. But escalating college debt and rising rates […] Jody Harris Posted May 9, 2019 Tags Education, Student Debt
Education Debt-free community college would make college more accessible, boost Maine's economy Access to a college education remains the best way for Mainers to boost their lifetime earnings and economic well-being. Yet too often, the cost of college is […] James Myall Posted May 7, 2019 Tags Education, Higher Education, Student Debt
Taxes and Budget Analysis: Legislature must raise revenue to fill shortfalls from LePage-era tax cuts Summary: Click here to read this complete policy brief For years, Maine has fallen short on its commitments to fund public schools and make robust investments in our local communities. This year, legislators can […] Sarah Austin Posted February 28, 2019 Tags Budget, Education, Municipal Revenue Sharing, Revenue, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Taxes and Budget Mills Budget Provides More School Funding, Fails to Fully Fund Revenue Sharing & Keeps LePage’s Tax Cuts The liberal-leaning Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) praised Mills for her support for Medicaid expansion, but criticized the proposal for failing to reverse LePage’s income tax […] The Free Press Posted February 14, 2019 Tags Budget, Education, Revenue, Taxes