Maine’s Economy REPORT: Policy priorities for the federal response to COVID-19's economic fallout As the coronavirus pushes the nation into a recession, the response by federal policymakers will determine the extent of the economic harm on families and small businesses. […] James Myall Posted March 26, 2020 Tags Coronavirus, Federal, Recession
Maine’s Economy Federal coronavirus relief law provides free testing, paid leave, and additional food assistance President Trump signed into law Thursday an emergency relief bill to bolster the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures […] James Myall Posted March 19, 2020 Tags Coronavirus, Federal
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
Health Care ‘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