Maine’s Economy New Census Bureau data shows mixed progress on income, poverty, and health The latest round of the American Community Survey (ACS) released by the US Census Bureau in September offers a snapshot of economic and social conditions in Maine […] James Myall Posted November 1, 2023 Tags Affordable Care Act, Economic Security, Health Care, Incomes, Inflation, Minimum Wage, Poverty, SNAP, Wages
Taxes and Budget Hollywood strike highlights unfairness of film tax subsidies As the Hollywood actors strike continues, it’s a stark reminder that all workers are essential, and no industry can operate without them. The Screen Actors Guild and […] Maura Pillsbury Posted October 3, 2023 Tags Corporate Power, Economy, Employment, Job Quality, Tax Breaks, Unions, Wages
Jobs and Income Maine minimum wage will rise to $14.15 in 2024, boosting wages for 127,000 Mainers Maine’s minimum wage will increase to $14.15 per hour on January 1, 2024, according to recent inflation data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). […] James Myall Posted September 28, 2023 Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Minimum Wage, Wages
Taxes and Budget Good Jobs First finds business subsidies contribute to racial and wealth inequality For years, research organization Good Jobs First has been at the forefront of examining the impacts of using public money to subsidize wealthy corporations. Now in a […] Maura Pillsbury Posted September 7, 2023 Tags Budget, Inequality, Racial Equity, Tax Breaks, Taxes
Jobs and Income Brief: The state of labor organizing in Maine At a glance: Labor unions play an essential role in delivering better wages, benefits, and working conditions not just for their members, but for all workers Women […] MECEP Posted August 28, 2023 Tags Job Quality, Jobs, Unions
Jobs and Income Worker wins and setbacks in the 2023 legislative sessions In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been steady gains in the overall output of Maine’s economy and workforce, employment levels, and wages for people […] James Myall Posted July 31, 2023 Tags Budget, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Fair Scheduling, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Overtime, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Wages
Taxes and Budget Maine's budget provides historic supports and fortifies the foundation for a strong economy This week Governor Mills signed the “part two budget” that makes historic investments — establishing a paid family and medical leave program for Maine, committing over $100 […] Sarah Austin Posted July 13, 2023 Tags Budget, Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Children, Economic Security, Economy, Education, Employment, Family and Medical Leave, Health Care, Housing, Jobs, Seniors, Tax Fairness, Wages
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Paid Family and Medical Leave — An Explainer Updated December 6, 2024Rules for Maine’s new statewide paid family and medical leave program are now finalized. Payroll deductions to the fund begin January 1, 2025, and […] Karin Leuthy Posted July 11, 2023 Tags Economy, Employment, Explainer, Family and Medical Leave
Health Care Survey results show a “broken” health care system in Maine Profit-centered. Unaffordable. Confusing. This is how Mainers describe our health care system. When even people who are insured describe rationing medication, forgoing treatment, and thousands of dollars […] James Myall Posted June 21, 2023 Tags Health Care
Taxes and Budget Property tax freeze fix would benefit older Mainers who need it most Update: The proposed changes to the property tax freeze program described here were enacted in July 2023 as part of the state budget, LD 258 part S. Click […] Maura Pillsbury Posted June 21, 2023 Tags Economic Security, Housing, Property Tax, Seniors, Tax Fairness