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Maine Center for Economic Policy

@mecep.bsky.social
613 followers 178 following 236 posts

Nonpartisan research & policy organization dedicated to improving the economic wellbeing of Mainers with low and moderate income since 1994.

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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Maine households are paying $4,300 more than they were before Trump returned to office. What’s driving the increase? War. Tariffs. A rigged tax code. Corporate consolidation. Washington’s priorities. The Squeeze is real. And it’s costing Maine families thousands. #ThePriceIsHigh
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Nearly 23,000 Mainers—including almost 7,000 kids—have lost SNAP since OBBBA was passed. Our new interactive map shows the losses by town, county, legislative district, and congressional district. Check out yours. In Caribou alone: 236 people, including 73 kids—3.2% of the town’s population.
mecep.org
Almost 23,000 Mainers have lost food assistance over the last year — see how many live in your town - MECEP
Since the passage of President Trump’s signature legislation, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” in July last year, enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has […]
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Maine families are getting squeezed. Tariffs. War. A tax code built for billionaires. Corporate greed and consolidation. Washington’s spending choices. The Squeeze is MECEP’s five-part series on what’s driving up costs and who benefits. Read all five 👇 #Affordability #IranWar #Tariffs #MEpolitics
mecep.org
The Squeeze - MECEP
The Squeeze Maine families are paying more for nearly everything including gas, heating oil, groceries, health care, housing. Some of that is the cost of living in […]
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Maine families are navigating an affordability crisis. Lawmakers should defend MaineCare and strengthen public investments to ensure affordable direct care is accessible to all. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/attacks...
mecep.org
Attacks on MaineCare distract from funding cuts and gaps - MECEP
The Trump administration's recent attacks on MaineCare follow a pattern of politicians making accusations of fraud to justify cuts to popular public programs.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
The vague, broadly-written rule would give new political appointees control over federal grants based on "presidential priorities." Funding for everything from health care to roads could be withheld as leverage for unrelated policy goals. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/propose...
mecep.org
Proposed federal rule would endanger $6 billion of federal funding to Maine - MECEP
The rule would let political appointees reshape or withhold grants based on presidential priorities, raising the risk that funds for health care, roads, education, heating assistance, and other servic...
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Changes in climate, technology, and demographics will affect state budgets. State leaders have taken steps to plan, but work remains to prepare Maine for these future economic challenges. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/maine-m...
mecep.org
Maine must act now to prepare for emerging fiscal risks - MECEP
Changes in climate, technology, and demographics affect state budgets. State leaders must prepare Maine for these future challenges.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Last year four Maine hospitals were identified as at risk of closing due to HR 1. If these hospitals closed, Aroostook County would lose $113.6 million in wages, Hancock County $55.3 million, and Washington County $15.8 million. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/medicai...
mecep.org
Medicaid cuts put rural hospitals and economies at risk - MECEP
If these hospitals closed, Aroostook County would lose $113.6 million in wages, Hancock County $55.3 million, and Washington County $15.8 million.
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economicsecurity.us @economicsecurity.us · 27/07/2026
Last year, Republicans cut Medicaid to give tax breaks to their billionaire pals. This Thursday at 1 pm ET, join us to hear from lawmakers, doctors, and Medicaid families about the impact and how we can stop the #HealthcareHeist. Register here: economicsecurityproject-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The truth is simple: after a period of disinvestment in the LePage years, Maine has chosen to invest more in education, health care, local communities, and services. Even with those increases, Maine is middle-of-the-pack in government spending per person. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/maines-...
mecep.org
Maine’s budget is growing because Maine is investing in Maine - MECEP
The truth is simple: after a period of disinvestment, Maine has chosen to invest more in education, health care, local communities, and services people rely on.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
This year, the Maine legislature passed landmark tax fairness legislation, creating a millionaire tax. Here’s what you should know. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/what-to...
mecep.org
What to know about Maine’s millionaire tax - MECEP
This year, the Maine legislature passed landmark tax fairness legislation, creating a millionaire tax. Here’s what you should know.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
"Change doesn't happen when a few powerful people decide to do the right thing. Change happens when ordinary people like you and me demand it... We can build an economy that makes sure all of us have a fair share chance at a good life." - Garrett Martin, Families Over Billionaires kickoff event
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Families Over Billionaires @fobaction.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Farmers and consumers are struggling to pay higher costs while grocery behemoths rake in more earnings. Instead of cutting taxes for corporations and the rich, Washington needs to focus on lowering our costs and funding our food programs.
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Families Over Billionaires @fobaction.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Those hospitals are in Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, Fairfield, Augusta, Lewiston, and right here in Portland, and those hospitals represent thousands of jobs, thousands of patients, and communities that need lifelines to better health care and access. That’s what these healthcare funding cuts mean.
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Families Over Billionaires @fobaction.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
“One year after Congress handed massive tax breaks to billionaires and powerful corporations in the OBBBA, Americans are paying the price,” said Kristen Crowell, Executive Director of Families over Billionaires. Read more here: bit.ly/4f9Ahlr #TaxJustice
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Families Over Billionaires @fobaction.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
This summer, we're hitting the road! Starting June 30 and rolling through July 16th, the Who Pays? Bus Tour is traveling across the country to pull back the curtain on one simple question: Who benefited, and who got stuck with the bill? See the list of stops and learn more here: bit.ly/4gMZH9G
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
While families struggle to make ends meet, politicians hand more power and wealth to those who already have plenty. Join us in Portland on Tuesday with @fobaction.bsky.social and Mainers For Tax Fairness to demand an economy that puts people ahead of billionaires. #TaxTheRich #WhoPays #MEPolitics
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
In Maine, 50,000 people are at risk of losing their health care because Republicans passed cuts to help fund an enormous tax break for the wealthy (an average tax cut of $34,340 for the richest 1% of Mainers compared to just $30 for the lowest-income households).
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Access to abortion is critical to economic security. Four years ago, Roe v. Wade was overturned, making it harder for Americans to exercise that right. www.mecep.org/blog/four-ye...
mecep.org
Four years later, Americans are paying the cost of the Dobbs decision - MECEP
Access to abortion is critical to economic security. When Americans have freedom to exercise their reproductive rights, they are more likely to find work or go to college, and their personal finances ...
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Since passage of the Republican “Big Beautiful Bill,” 3.5 million people have lost SNAP benefits, and people who still qualify will get less help buying groceries. The cuts help pay for tax breaks for the wealthy. www.mecep.org/blog/the-hid...
mecep.org
The hidden SNAP cut that keeps growing - MECEP
Congress reduced food assistance for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and workers with low incomes to help fund tax cuts for wealthy people and large corporations.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Gas price spikes caused by Trump's war in Iran has pushed inflation to its highest point in three years. How are you adjusting to higher prices? Have your shopping habits changed? Are you avoiding travel or major purchases? Dipping into savings? Paying with credit more often? #Trumponomics
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
📈📉Trumponomics in 2 charts. What do Musk's skyrocketing wealth and your stagnant wages have in common? They're both the result of Trump's policy choices. While Musk is about to become the world's first trillionaire, 1.5 yrs of wage growth has been completely wiped off the books for the rest of us.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
It’s not in your head—it’s not just gas. Prices are still rising. The latest PCE (the Fed’s preferred measure) shows inflation at 3.8%, the highest in 3 years. With savings near 20-year lows, working families are running out of room to cope.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Almost 14,000 Mainers (including more than 4,000 kids) have already lost access to food assistance because of the "One Big Beautiful Bill". We don't remember people voting for a Make Hunger Great Again agenda. But that's what they're getting. @centeronbudget.bsky.social
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
We expect VP Vance to push Trump’s attacks on #Medicaid in Bangor—threatening #MaineCare funding and the care of nearly 400,000 Mainers. Fraud should be addressed, and Maine already does, with error rates below the national average. This is about politics, not facts—and Mainers deserve better.
mecep.org
7 things to know about the political attacks on MaineCare - MECEP
For decades, politicians have used isolated stories about public assistance fraud to divide people and build support for cuts that ultimately hurt working families while benefiting the […]
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
The legislative session in 2026 was overshadowed by federal threats to food security and health care. The legislature and governor took some steps to mitigate the worst effects of HR 1 but stopped short of completely filling the gaps left by the federal government. #mepolitics
mecep.org
2026 Session Recap: Health care and the safety net - MECEP
The legislative session in 2026 was overshadowed by federal threats to food security and health care.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
The Maine legislature made mixed progress on racial equity in 2026. While there were efforts to shield New Mainers from excessive actions of federal agencies, attempts to advance tribal sovereignty largely fell flat due to opposition from Governor Mills. #mepolitics
mecep.org
2026 Session Recap: Immigration and tribal sovereignty - MECEP
While there were efforts to shield New Mainers from excessive actions of federal agencies, attempts to advance tribal sovereignty largely fell flat due to opposition from Governor Mills.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
The second session of the 132nd legislature included the passage of several laws that will improve working conditions for Mainers and make it easier to get access to care for children, older adults, and Mainers with disabilities. #mepolitics
mecep.org
2026 Session Recap: Workers and the care economy - MECEP
The second session of the 132nd legislature included the passage of several laws that will improve working conditions for Mainers and make it easier to get access to care for children, older adults, a...
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
“If I can take care of my family, send my kids to college, leave something for them for the hard work I have done…why not help others? People who have a lot should be able to give a little more. Simple as that.” Welcome to the tax fairness family, @stephenking.bsky.social 🤩 #TaxTheRich
wsj.com
Wealth-Tax Fever Is Spreading to Less-Wealthy States
Small-market Maine becomes the latest state to try to raise revenue by hiking income taxes on its highest-earning residents.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Yesterday millions of hard-working families paid more in taxes than 88 of America's largest corporations. The money those rich coporations pocketed from Trump's tax breaks last year were enough to eliminate hunger in America. See the latest from @itep.org 👇 #TaxTheRich
itep.org
At Least 88 Profitable U.S. Corporations Paid Zero Federal Income Tax in 2025
At least 88 of the largest corporations in America paid $0 in federal income tax for 2025. Corporate tax avoidance has increased at least in part due to President Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” ...
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
You'd never guess WaPo was owned by an ultra-billionaire tax dodger when the ed board says things like "the rich already pay more than their fair share." 🤔 They also weighed in on ME's millionaire tax with some equally weak sauce. MECEP clapped back. #TaxTheRich mainemorningstar.com/2026/04/15/w...
mainemorningstar.com
Washington Post’s attack on Maine’s millionaire tax ignores the facts • Maine Morning Star
Mainers don’t take kindly to outsiders telling us what to do. The Washington Post’s editorial attacking Maine’s new millionaire tax is no exception. Misdirected and devoid of facts, the editorial boar...
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
For too long, our tax code asked the most of those with the least. Today, that changes. In a historic move for tax fairness in Maine, Governor Mills just signed a millionaire tax into law as part of the state's supplemental budget. #mepolitics
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The proposed supplemental budget makes a big step forward in tax fairness through the creation of a “millionaire tax" and funds many important priorities, but significant unmet needs remain. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/whats-i...
mecep.org
What’s in the 2026 supplemental budget package - MECEP
The budget makes a big step forward through the creation of a “millionaire tax," but significant unmet needs remain.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
1/2 ➡️ Mainers want a fairer tax system, and they want that money invested in their kids and communities. Maine's budget committee delivered on that promise. There are votes to come, but this is a great moment for tax fairness. #mepolitics www.pressherald.com/2026/04/02/j...
pressherald.com
Janet Mills says she approves of ‘millionaire’s tax’ approved by Maine budget panel
Democratic lawmakers on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs voted to move forward with Maine's supplemental budget early Wednesday morning.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
The latest IRS migration data shows what we already know: people move for jobs, family, housing, and quality of life. Taxes barely register. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/irs-dat...
mecep.org
IRS data shows Maine is gaining residents from so-called “low tax” states - MECEP
Maine is gaining residents from lower-tax states, including high earners, while losing relatively few, mostly to warmer climates.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
"If Maine could be persuaded about what it has, uniquely, and could begin to believe and appreciate what people who can (really) pay are willing to pay to live here and spend time here... perhaps the state wouldn’t sweat the academic question of “tax flight.” Perhaps we could get real." #TaxTheRich
pressherald.com
Taxation in Maine needs to follow the money | Opinion
Tax the rich! They're asking us to.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
New from @jamesxmyall.bsky.social: LD 2196 would be an important step to getting health care costs under control. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/hospita...
mecep.org
Hospital pricing bill could save Mainers $200 million over 5 years - MECEP
The law would also make sure more money goes to basic and mental health care, so it’s easier for people to see a doctor and stay out of the hospital.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Right now in Maine, nurses and plumbers face the same top income tax rate as millionaires. These two bills would make Maine’s tax system fairer, more sustainable, and better aligned with the needs of working families and small businesses. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/nurses-...
mecep.org
Nurses and plumbers shouldn’t pay the same tax rate as multi-millionaires. LD 229 and LD 1089 change that. - MECEP
Maine’s tax code currently asks more of families with middle income than it does of the wealthiest residents.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Maine's next governor will play a decisive role in shaping health care for families across the state. Join Maine AllCare and MECEP for a gubernatorial candidate forum as the Democratic candidates discuss the issues that matter most to Mainers. RSVP here: mecep.org/hc-forum
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Maine Newsroom @mainenewsroom.com · 17/03/2026
3/17 The five Maine state legislators who voted last week against a bill that would create a state-level a backstop for SNAP benefits if the White House withholds them again collectively represent 12,000 SNAP beneficiaries who rely on a combined $2 million in benefits each month #maine #MEpolitics
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
ICE's "Operation Catch of the Day" cost Mainers, businesses, and our economy millions of dollars. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/immigra...
mecep.org
Immigration operations cost Maine’s economy millions - MECEP
The surge in activity by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in late January likely cost local economies millions of dollars in lost economic activity.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Fewer Mainers have jobs. Wage growth slowed. Canadians stopped visiting. After one year in office, the effects of President Trump’s economic policies are beginning to show in state data. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/6-ways-...
mecep.org
6 ways President Trump is shaping Maine’s economy in his first year - MECEP
After one year in office, the effects of President Trump’s economic policies are beginning to show in state data.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
The answer is clear: stop asking for more from working Mainers and ask more of those who have the most. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/lawmake...
mecep.org
Lawmakers can seize the opportunity to raise revenue for important priorities - MECEP
These three bills could pave the way and altogether would raise over $200 million.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
While lawmakers cut or underfund services like free community college and eviction prevention, they approved millions in new and expanded tax breaks for wealthy businesses. This is government-sanctioned, institutionalized inequality. #mepolitics www.mecep.org/blog/as-main...
mecep.org
As Mainers struggle, State gives away millions in new business tax breaks - MECEP
These giveaways prioritize corporate interests over everyday Mainers, undermining trust and leaving vital public services underfunded.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The affordability crisis isn't a hoax, and it's not about last quarter's wage data. It's about decades of upward wealth redistribution. Our President & CEO Garrett Martin on what's really happening — and how we fix it:
bangordailynews.com
Opinion: The affordability ‘crisis’ is about inequality and insecurity
"This affordability crisis is not about inflation charts or quarterly wage data. It’s about a 50-year erosion of economic security and the anger and grievance it produced."
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
“The time to do something is now, and the impacts of the expiring of these enhanced tax credits is really being felt by families right as we speak.” - AARP Health Advocacy VP Megan O’Reilly #mepolitics
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
$360 million a year. That’s the price tag if Maine fully conforms to HR 1. $240 million goes straight to big corporations. Only 2% of workers benefit from tax-free tips and 5% from tax-free overtime. Maine shouldn’t repeat Washington’s tax policy mistakes. We can chart our own path. #mepolitics
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ITEP @itep.org · 13/01/2026
No tax on tips or overtime does little to actually help workers.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Trump picks fights with Canada — Maine pays the price. 📉 750,000 fewer border crossings from Canada 📉 Retail sales down 3.3% in border regions 📉 Restaurant & lodging sales down nearly 5% Small towns along the border can’t absorb losses like this. #tariffs #tradewar #mepolitics
mecep.org
Trump’s attacks on Canadians are hurting Maine’s border economies - MECEP
New MECEP analysis of federal and state data shows the number of Canadians visiting Maine has plummeted since President Trump’s inauguration and as a result economic activity in Maine’s border communi...
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Hot off the press, State of Working Maine 2025 shows Maine's economic future isn't about geography — it's about policy choices. Check out the report including worker stories and join us for a Lunch & Learn on January 15 to learn more!
mecep.org
State of Working Maine 2025: Strengthening Economic Opportunity in Rural Communities and Beyond - MECEP
Economic opportunity in Maine is not an inevitable result of rural geography, but a consequence of policy choices.
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Maine Center for Economic Policy @mecep.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
The "Big Beautiful Bill" only provides big, beautiful tax cuts for the ultra rich. More than a new Subaru's worth! #BigUglyBill #TaxFairness
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