“Typical wages and household incomes are low and flat, poverty is rising, and the state has one of the highest percentages of part-time workers who want more work but can’t find it”
Augusta, Maine (Tuesday, January 28, 2014) The Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) issued the following statement from executive director Garrett Martin concerning the December 2013 employment report released today by the Maine Department of Labor:
“Maine’s unemployment rate fell again this month, along with the nation as a whole. The falling unemployment rate is undeniably good news, but it’s only one piece of the picture. Maine’s recovery from the recession is still far from complete and our economic environment remains challenging for low- and middle-income Maine families. Typical wages and household incomes are low and flat, poverty is rising, and the state has one of the highest percentages of part-time workers who want more work but can’t find it. Maine trails most other states in job creation, even after accounting for our lack of population growth. Also, much of Maine’s employment recovery is being driven by its unique demographics: rising labor force participation and employment in Maine’s exceptionally large 55 and over population.”
Yesterday, MECEP released “5 Facts to Remember about Unemployment and Jobs in Maine.” To read this background analysis for reporters covering today’s data release, click here.
