Jobs and Income

Maine’s omnibus coronavirus response law will help workers, small businesses facing income loss

On Tuesday, the Maine Legislature approved an omnibus package of measures aimed at responding to the health and economic impacts of coronavirus. Governor Janet Mills signed the bill into law on Wednesday. The […]

James Myall

Posted March 19, 2020

Tags Coronavirus, Unemployment

‘Patients First’ legislation would reduce some health care costs for Mainers

Maine Democrats recently introduced a package of bills to reduce health care costs, curb some of the health care industry’s most egregious billing practices and ensure access to critical lifesaving medicine. The suite of bills known as the “Patients […]

James Myall

Posted March 11, 2020

Tags Health Care

Maine’s Economy

Coronavirus highlights the need for all workers to have paid sick leave

As the United States and the world grapple with the outbreak of the novel form of coronavirus, known as COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control is advising […]

James Myall

Posted March 3, 2020

Tags Health Care, Paid Sick Days

Maine’s Economy

General Fund dollars are no solution for Maine's transportation needs

Maine faces an annual shortfall of $232 million annually to fund priority transportation infrastructure projects, with the largest unmet needs in bridge projects and highway reconstruction. This […]

James Myall

Posted February 28, 2020

Tags Bonds, Infrastructure, Taxes

Maine’s Economy

Proposed “Whistleblower” law will help restore workers’ right to hold bad bosses accountable

Maine’s lawmakers are revisiting a bill introduced in 2019 that would restore the legal rights of workers trapped in a rigged system that prevents them from having […]

James Myall

Posted February 24, 2020

Tags Jobs, Minimum Wage, Overtime, Wages

Maine’s Economy

Fair Chance Employment Act will help reverse racial disparities and reduce likelihood of recidivism

Getting and keeping a job is a critical element of economic security, particularly for Mainers who face barriers to opportunity and prosperity. That includes Mainers with criminal […]

James Myall

Posted February 20, 2020

Tags Employment

Maine’s Economy

REPORT: Overtime bill would guarantee living wages for workers with long hours

A bill before the Maine Legislature would give middle-class Mainers a much-needed raise by restoring lost overtime protections for 28,000 workers. The bill — LD 402, “An […]

James Myall

Posted February 11, 2020

Tags Overtime, Wages

Health Care

After one year, Medicaid expansion is delivering for Mainers

One year ago, newly inaugurated Governor Janet Mills used her first act in office to implement the voter-approved Medicaid expansion law. With the stroke of her pen, tens of thousands of Mainers […]

James Myall

Posted January 10, 2020

Tags Health Care, Medicaid