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
Jobs and Income Legislature’s Labor Committee votes for $15 minimum wage in 2024 Since 2016, increases to Maine’s minimum wage have contributed to lower child poverty rates, put more money into Mainer’s pockets, and made our economy stronger for everyone. […] James Myall Posted May 5, 2023 Tags Incomes, Job Quality, Jobs, Minimum Wage, Wages
Jobs and Income Pay transparency promotes equality and empowers workers During the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mainers have increasingly recognized the value of their labor and demanded to be paid fairly. Workers in traditionally low-wage occupations, […] James Myall Posted May 4, 2023 Tags Incomes, Inequality, Job Quality, Jobs, Wages
Jobs and Income Farmworkers deserve the same rights as all workers Workers are the engine of the economy, and they all deserve dignity, respect, and to be able to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Yet, […] Arthur Phillips Posted May 2, 2023 Tags Economic Security, Job Quality, Jobs, Racial Equity, Unions, Wages
Taxes and Budget Policy Brief: Are Tax Giveaways Worth the Money? Download the PDF version FULL REPORT SUMMARY Maine forgoes billions of dollars in revenue each year by giving out tax breaks. These tax giveaways are costly and […] Maura Pillsbury Posted May 1, 2023 Tags Budget, Revenue, Tax Breaks, Tax Fairness, Taxes
Health Care, Jobs and Income, Maine’s Economy, Taxes and Budget The High Cost of Undervaluing Direct Care Work Download the PDF version full report Summary Maine’s direct care workforce is in a fragile state. Low reimbursement rates for direct care work result in low pay, […] MECEP Posted April 26, 2023
Taxes and Budget Taxes are complicated, but the way we think about tax policy doesn’t have to be When we all pitch in to pay for the services and infrastructure that build a thriving economy, everyone benefits. But if some people and corporations don’t pay […] MECEP Posted April 14, 2023 Tags Economy, Income Tax, Tax Fairness, Taxes
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