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
Jobs and Income 5 reasons Maine shouldn’t look to New Hampshire on Paid Family and Medical Leave Last week, Maine’s Labor and Housing Committee voted to advance a bill which would establish a near-universal Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program for Maine workers. […] James Myall Posted June 9, 2023 Tags Family and Medical Leave, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Wages
Maine’s Economy The Debt Ceiling — An Explainer Updated August 2, 2023 The White House negotiated a deal with Republicans in June to raise the debt ceiling and curb spending, averting default. Information on this […] Karin Leuthy Posted June 5, 2023 Tags Debt Ceiling, Economy, Explainer, Tax Fairness
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
Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy Brief: Providing workers the support they need to enter and stay in the labor force At a glance Maine has more jobs now than before the pandemic Labor force participation has mostly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels but is not adequate to keep […] MECEP Posted May 26, 2023 Tags Child Care, Child Tax Credit, Direct Care Work, Economic Security, Economy, Employment, Family and Medical Leave, Inclusive Economy, Job Quality, Jobs, Paid Sick Days
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