Jobs and Income For people of color and less-educated workers, Maine unemployment figures don't tell the whole story The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released estimates showing that Maine’s unemployment rate was a seasonally-adjusted 2.9 percent in September, marking three consecutive months of the […] James Myall Posted November 1, 2019 Tags Education, Employment, Inequality, Racial Equity
Taxes and Budget Policy Brief: Big-box stores roll out 'dark store theory' for tax avoidance in Maine Walmart, Lowe’s and others are pushing the dubious ‘dark store theory’ to manipulate property valuations and win tax cuts, leaving local budgets and other taxpayers holding the […] Sarah Austin Posted October 31, 2019 Tags Property Tax, Tax Breaks
Maine’s Economy Household incomes declined but wages increased in 2018. Here's how. The latest round of 2018 data from the census bureau released last week contained two apparently contradictory trends: Household incomes in Maine went down over the previous […] James Myall Posted October 9, 2019 Tags Economy, Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs
Health Care New Census data: Maine’s uninsured rate remained steady in 2018 The share of Mainers who lack health insurance remained steady from 2017 to 1018, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. More than […] James Myall Posted September 10, 2019 Tags Affordable Care Act, Federal, Health Care, Medicaid
Taxes and Budget Federal Working Families Tax Relief Act would boost incomes for 187,000 Maine households For many Americans with low incomes, it’s a constant challenge to keep up with expenses and provide for their kids’ basic needs. Many parents work hard but […] Sarah Austin Posted September 4, 2019 Tags Child Tax Credit, Children, EITC, Federal, Incomes, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Taxes and Budget Policy Brief: Maine reaches new milestone in tax fairness A fair tax system asks those who benefit the most from our economy to contribute proportionately toward investments that ensure future generations can also thrive. But since […] Sarah Austin Posted September 4, 2019 Tags EITC, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Jobs and Income Unions promote stronger, fairer economy for all workers Labor unions are a time-tested way for workers to organize and negotiate collectively for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. By advocating for better conditions […] James Myall Posted September 1, 2019 Tags Economy, Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Unions
Education This year, Maine teachers will spend $5.2 million of their own money on school supplies This year, Maine’s public school teachers will spend $5.2 million — an average of $356 per teacher — to keep their classrooms well stocked with school supplies.[1] […] James Myall Posted August 28, 2019 Tags Education, Incomes, Job Quality
Taxes and Budget Why bonding makes fiscal sense for Maine Mainers all benefit from statewide investments that strengthen our economy now and into the future, such as roads and bridges, broadband infrastructure, and the people- and technology-powered […] Sarah Austin Posted August 26, 2019 Tags Bonds, Infrastructure
Taxes and Budget Understanding Maine’s revenue surplus June 30 marks the end of the state’s fiscal year, meaning the state’s books for revenue and appropriations are settled and we know how well the state was able […] Sarah Austin Posted August 5, 2019 Tags Budget, Revenue, Taxes