2022 Legislative Priorities

Here are some of the important issues MECEP will inform and support in the 130th legislative session.

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Funding Maine’s future with the supplemental budget – PASSED

We are living through the recovery of an economy built on a foundation of inequality. We now have a choice to make better policy decisions that intentionally fund the brightest future for the Mainers who face significant hardships and barriers.

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LD 428: An Act To Prevent Tax Haven Abuse – PASSED

Corporations avoid paying their fair share of taxes by taking advantage of complex systems to hide profits in countries with lower tax rates. Tax havens shrink Maine’s tax base and shift the cost of public services onto local businesses and residents.

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LD 1129: An Act Relating to the Valuation of Retail Sales Facilities – PASSED

This bill would prevent box retailers from using “Dark Store Theory” to dramatically reduce their property valuations. It would protect municipal budgets and prevent large retailers from shifting costs to homeowners and smaller businesses.

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LD 1838: An Act To Improve Access to Transcripts and Diplomas – PASSED

Universities and colleges withhold transcripts and diplomas of students with outstanding balances. This practice can halt educational and career goals, negatively impact credit, and worsen workforce challenges throughout the economy. 

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Other priority bills include

LD 2009: An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Working Group To Review the Process for Ongoing Review of Tax Expenditures by the Legislature
Maine forgoes over $4 billion in revenue every year through spending via the tax code, commonly referred to as tax expenditures. It’s important to ensure that revenue raised through taxes is not lost and supports investments that help all Maine people, businesses, and communities thrive.

LD 1941: Clarify and Update the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit Program
Maine spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year in business tax incentives. Because allocating money for this purpose reduces potential investments in other priorities including education and health care, such programs must deliver as intended.

LD 1952: Extend the Commission To Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program
Mainers shouldn’t have to choose between spending time with their newborn and paying their rent, or between putting food on the table and caring for their aging parents. A statewide paid family and medical leave policy would solve this problem.

Learn more: MECEP blog (2/22/22)

LD 607: Restore Overtime Protections for Maine Workers 
Extra work deserves extra pay. But over decades, overtime protections have been watered down so that fewer people earn time-and-a-half pay when they work long hours. This bill would help restore the promise of the 40-hour workweek and help more Mainers get the wages they deserve.

LD 1626: Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act
This bill would amend the Maine Implementing Act to restore the inherent right of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians to self-govern within their respective territories in accordance with the same federal laws that generally govern tribal lands elsewhere in the US.

Learn more: MECEP blog (2/25/22) • Press Herald (2/16/22) • Beacon (3/30/22) • CNN (4/15/22) • Maine Public (4/20/22) • Portland Press Herald (4/25/22) • Maine Public (4/28/22) • Maine Public (4/29/22) • Beacon (5/10/22)

LD 1997: An Act To Implement Certain Recommendations of the Committee To Study the Feasibility of Creating Basic Income Security
The 129th Maine Legislature established a committee to examine and make recommendations on the feasibility of providing basic economic security through a direct cash payment system and other programs that are designed to help individuals and families become more economically secure.