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Sovereignty Starts Here: Land, Economy, and Tribal Rights in Maine

States that respect tribal sovereignty have seen stronger growth and more resilient communities. In contrast, the Wabanaki Nations and Maine’s neighboring rural communities needlessly lag behind. Supporting land return and sovereignty reforms is both a moral responsibility and a smart economic investment.

Taxes and Budget

Tariffs — An Explainer

Tariffs are taxes on imported goods. When targeted and strategically planned, they can counter unfair trade practices, serve as negotiation leverage, and generate revenue. But not all tariffs are created equal. Broad, poorly planned tariffs can harm the economy, trigger trade wars, and disrupt global stability.

Taxes and Budget

Federal Budget Recap: House trades food security and health care for billionaire tax cuts in one big, ugly bill

Congress, where Republicans have a majority, is considering pairing spending cuts for food security, health, and other important programs with enormous tax cuts for the wealthy.

The Maine Center for Economic Policy is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of Mainers with low and moderate income.

MECEP advances equity and prosperity for all Maine people through issue-based analysis, education, and advocacy.

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Spectrum News

Sovereignty Starts Here: Land, Economy, and Tribal Rights in Maine

Tariffs — An Explainer

Federal Budget Recap: House trades food security and health care for billionaire tax cuts in one big, ugly bill

The Maine Center for Economic Policy is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of Mainers with low and moderate income.

Missed opportunities to advance tax fairness and create a better state

7 questions legislators need to ask about the impact of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on the state budget

Maine’s revenue misses keep holding back progress

Sovereignty Starts Here: Land, Economy, and Tribal Rights in Maine

Missed opportunities to advance tax fairness and create a better state

7 questions legislators need to ask about the impact of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” on the state budget

Maine’s revenue misses keep holding back progress

LD 1932: Maine direct care bill could raise pay, improve services

The impact of a $19 minimum wage on Portland workers and the local economy

Maine minimum wage hits $15.10 in January, boosting pay for 100,000 workers

LD 1932: Maine direct care bill could raise pay, improve services

Legislative Rundown: First regular session of the 132nd

Legislative Rundown: First regular session of the 132nd

How Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” further enriches the rich and immiserates the poor

Federal budget plan puts Maine’s rural hospitals at grave risk, reports show

Maine’s paid family leave law is under attack — and must be defended

Poor pay and strained working conditions cause staffing shortages in Maine schools

Student debt cancellation would help working families, improve equity, and expand access to higher education

To help students finish their degrees and ease workforce challenges, Maine should reform transcript withholding

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is broken — let’s fix it

Sovereignty Starts Here: Land, Economy, and Tribal Rights in Maine

The impact of a $19 minimum wage on Portland workers and the local economy

Maine minimum wage hits $15.10 in January, boosting pay for 100,000 workers

Tariffs — An Explainer

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New report highlights economic benefits of Maine tribal sovereignty

Wednesday Sit-Down: Should Maine return tribal land?

New report highlights economic benefits of Maine tribal sovereignty

The case for Wabanaki land return in Maine outlined in new report

New report says full Wabanaki sovereignty would boost tribal and state economies