Jobs and Income Rent-a-bank schemes would undercut Maine’s borrower protections Maine has a long tradition of consumer protection, drawing on a shared commitment to transparency and fairness for borrowers. Lawmakers recently extended Maine’s track record by shoring […] Arthur Phillips Posted April 10, 2023 Tags Consumer Protection, Economic Security, Predatory Lending, Racial Equity
Taxes and Budget It’s time to shine a light on corporate tax avoidance When corporations don’t pay what they owe in taxes, Maine people, communities, and small businesses end up footing the bill. As Maine Center for Economic Policy has […] Maura Pillsbury Posted April 10, 2023 Tags Corporate Power, Economy, Income Tax, Inequality, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness
Continuing services budget provides stability to Maine communities and economy Two weeks ago, the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs decided the budget for the upcoming two years would be divided into two parts: a “continuing […] Josie Phillips Posted April 3, 2023 Tags Budget, Caregiving, Children, Education, Health Care, Wages
Jobs and Income Improved scheduling practices give workers more stability Workers are the engines of the economy. Their labor, skills and contributions make the economy run, and it’s time for their hard work to result in livable […] James Myall Posted April 3, 2023 Tags Job Quality, Jobs
Taxes and Budget Impacts of proposed income tax rate reduction House and Senate Republicans are demanding income tax cuts be part of the budget, and Democrats in the legislature were right to make sure they didn’t have […] MECEP Posted March 29, 2023 Tags Income Tax, Inequality, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Taxes and Budget Maine should tax big corporate tax dodgers This year, Congress made a big change to how massive corporations — those with profits over $1 billion — are taxed by establishing a “real profits tax” […] Maura Pillsbury Posted March 27, 2023 Tags Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Predatory Lending — An Explainer What is predatory lending? Lenders are considered predatory when they use practices that involve fraudulent, unfair, and abusive loan terms, including ultra-high interest rates and fees, aggressive […] Karin Leuthy Posted March 24, 2023 Tags Consumer Protection, Economic Security, Explainer, Inclusive Economy, Predatory Lending
Taxes and Budget Modernize the spending cap to meet the moment The state budget allows us to make important investments in the future of our state and all Mainers by funding our schools, health care, infrastructure, and communities. […] Maura Pillsbury Posted February 16, 2023 Tags Budget, Economic Security, Economy
Jobs and Income Legislative commission recommends strong, progressive paid family leave program for Maine On February 7, the Commission to Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program issued its final report, concluding more than a year of work examining […] James Myall Posted February 14, 2023 Tags Economic Security, Economy, Family and Medical Leave, Job Quality, Jobs
Taxes and Budget Gov. Mills' proposed budget protects wellbeing. Lawmakers should choose to do more. Governor Mills’ proposed budget for the coming biennium makes important investments in the health, education, and financial security of Maine people. In the coming months, lawmakers should […] Josie Phillips Posted January 24, 2023 Tags Budget, Child Tax Credit, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Education, Higher Education, Housing