Tariffs — An Explainer

Updated April 18, 2025 What are tariffs? Tariffs are taxes on imported goods. When targeted and strategically planned, they can counter unfair trade practices, serve as negotiation […]

Karin Leuthy

Posted April 18, 2025

Tags Economic Security, Economy, Federal, Jobs, Taxes

Taxes and Budget

Feds threaten to blow a $649 million hole in Maine’s state budget

At a glance: Congress and President Trump are considering cutting federal funds to states, primarily to finance tax cuts for the wealthy, with Maine facing a potential […]

James Myall

Posted April 3, 2025

Tags Budget, Education, Federal, Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes

Taxes and Budget

Expanding the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit is an investment in Maine’s future

Maine’s Dependent Exemption Tax Credit (DETC) is a vital investment in the state’s future. As Maine’s version of the child tax credit, it helps families with children […]

Maura Pillsbury

Posted April 1, 2025

Tags Budget, Child Tax Credit, Economic Security

Jobs and Income

LD 599: Expanding overtime protections for 21,000 salaried workers

At a glance: LD 599 would align Maine’s salary threshold for overtime pay with the federal standard of $58,656, ensuring an additional 21,000 salaried workers are eligible […]

James Myall

Posted March 28, 2025

Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Overtime, Wages

Taxes and Budget

New “continuing services budget” provides stable foundation for future planning

Last Friday the appropriations committee approved an $11.5 billion “continuing services” budget to continue state operations at a more-or-less flat level for the next two years. While […]

James Myall

Posted March 20, 2025

Tags Budget, Caregiving, Child Care, Economic Security, Education, Health Care, Higher Education, Medicaid, Wages

Taxes and Budget

Maine Senate Republicans backtrack on budget deal, jeopardizing health care and forestry

Updated 3/13/2025 At a glance: Maine Senate Republicans agreed on a budget to help health care and forestry — the state has extra funds to cover these […]

James Myall

Posted March 12, 2025

Tags Budget, Economic Security, Economy, Jobs, Revenue

Jobs and Income, Taxes and Budget

Maine shouldn't balance the budget on the backs of direct care workers

At a glance: Proposed budget cuts would lower direct care labor reimbursements, reducing pay and worsening workforce shortages Low wages for direct care professionals already impose significant […]

Arthur Phillips

Posted March 5, 2025

Tags Budget, Caregiving, Direct Care Work, Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs

Jobs and Income, Taxes and Budget

Maine must invest in child care, not cut it

At a glance: Proposed budget cuts to child care funding will reduce wages for child care workers, limit child care availability, and weaken Maine’s economy Child care […]

Arthur Phillips

Posted March 3, 2025

Tags Budget, Caregiving, Child Care, Children, Direct Care Work, Tax Fairness, Taxes

Taxes and Budget

8 things to know about federal funding in Maine

Federal government spending strengthens communities, improves quality of life, and boosts the overall economy. In Maine, it helps pay for roads, bridges, schools, public safety, and health […]

James Myall

Posted March 3, 2025

Tags Budget, Federal

Taxes and Budget

Golden’s Family Income Security Credit: strong fundamentals undermined by some problematic provisions

Congressman Jared Golden has shared a new idea to change the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and make it better for families. The fundamentals of his plan, called […]

James Myall

Posted February 28, 2025

Tags Budget, Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Federal, Incomes, Tax Fairness, Taxes

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Tariffs — An Explainer

Feds threaten to blow a $649 million hole in Maine’s state budget

Expanding the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit is an investment in Maine’s future

LD 599: Expanding overtime protections for 21,000 salaried workers

New “continuing services budget” provides stable foundation for future planning

Maine Senate Republicans backtrack on budget deal, jeopardizing health care and forestry

Maine shouldn't balance the budget on the backs of direct care workers

Maine must invest in child care, not cut it

8 things to know about federal funding in Maine

Golden’s Family Income Security Credit: strong fundamentals undermined by some problematic provisions