Taxes and Budget Proposed Dirigo business subsidy is a bad deal for Maine and could worsen inequality The Mills administration is rushing through a $55 million per year tax giveaway for businesses without proper vetting that could worsen inequality in Maine. As recently noted […] Maura Pillsbury Posted May 31, 2023 Tags Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Jobs and Income Maine needs a “reporting pay” requirement Imagine you’re working at a fast-food restaurant. You’re used to getting called in on short notice to fill shifts, but you’re never sure if you’re actually going […] James Myall Posted May 31, 2023 Tags Job Quality, Jobs
Maine’s Economy, Taxes and Budget About that tax ranking… Note: Updated April 15, 2024 As lawmakers debate tax credits, cuts, and subsidies, we often hear Maine’s tax policy compared with other states. State-by-state rankings and “listicles” […] MECEP Posted May 30, 2023 Tags Budget, Child Tax Credit, EITC, Income Tax, Inequality, Property Tax, Racial Equity, Sales Tax, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Tax Havens, Taxes
Taxes and Budget Legislators can build on Governor’s change package to boost economic vitality for Maine families Governor Mills’ budget change package — which amends her prior budget proposal to align with more current revenue projections — lays a solid foundation for Maine. It […] Josie Phillips Posted May 18, 2023 Tags Budget, Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Housing, Inequality, Revenue, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Taxes and Budget 10 unanswered questions about the proposed Dirigo business subsidy Governor Mills is proposing a big new tax subsidy for businesses. The Dirigo tax credit would cost an estimated $54.5 million per year and provide business tax […] Maura Pillsbury Posted May 17, 2023 Tags Corporate Power, Economic Security, Economy, Tax Breaks
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Child care legislation to benefit Maine workers and families Recent years have taught us child care workers are truly essential. Without them, other workers are forced to leave work to care for young children, costing them […] Arthur Phillips Posted May 9, 2023 Tags Child Care, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs
Jobs and Income Legislature’s Labor Committee votes for $15 minimum wage in 2024 Since 2016, increases to Maine’s minimum wage have contributed to lower child poverty rates, put more money into Mainer’s pockets, and made our economy stronger for everyone. […] James Myall Posted May 5, 2023 Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage, Wages
Jobs and Income Pay transparency promotes equality and empowers workers During the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mainers have increasingly recognized the value of their labor and demanded to be paid fairly. Workers in traditionally low-wage occupations, […] James Myall Posted May 4, 2023 Tags Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Wages
Jobs and Income Farmworkers deserve the same rights as all workers Workers are the engine of the economy, and they all deserve dignity, respect, and to be able to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Yet, […] Arthur Phillips Posted May 2, 2023 Tags Economic Security, Job Quality, Jobs, Racial Equity, Unions, Wages
Taxes and Budget Taxes are complicated, but the way we think about tax policy doesn’t have to be When we all pitch in to pay for the services and infrastructure that build a thriving economy, everyone benefits. But if some people and corporations don’t pay […] MECEP Posted April 14, 2023 Tags Economy, Income Tax, Tax Fairness, Taxes