Maine Center for Economic Policy

10/16/2026

Did you know we have a political and advocacy arm?
It's called MECEP Action.
🌶️ 📊 🌶️

10/15/2026

Where do things stand with cuts coming from the "One Big Beautiful Bill"? Check out our latest update 👇
https://bit.ly/SNAPupdateME

10/12/2026

It's 2026 and the State of Maine still does not fully recognize the inherent sovereignty of the Wabanaki Nations. We're hopeful change is coming very soon.

If you're new to this topic and want to join us in the fight for full recognition of Wabanaki sovereignty, take a look at our Tribal Sovereignty explainer 👇, and follow Wabanaki Alliance. We are proud to serve as members of the Wabanaki Alliance Coalition along with many of you.

Why doesn’t Maine recognize the sovereignty of the Wabanaki nations?

10/09/2026

The Trump administration's proposed changes to the 2030 census will impact Indigenous populations, students, service members, non-citizens, PO Box users, and even "snow birds". If you're a data nerd like us, you care about maintaining and protecting the integrity of this constitutionally mandated 10-year count. We encourage everyone to submit a public comment before the November 2 deadline. More information about the changes can be found here: https://handsoffourcens.us/

10/09/2026

This is JUST gasoline. If you also rely on heating oil, that number jumps to about $2,600. And the pain doesn't stop at the pump and the oil tank. When trucking companies, farmers, and local governments pay more for fuel, it shows up as higher grocery prices, lower business profits, and reduced local services.

The way to get these prices down is to end the war in Iran and prioritize home-grown renewable energy.

Check out Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy's interactive Iran War Fuel Calculator 👇
https://itep.org/iran-war-fuel-cost/

10/08/2026

Things that keep money in Mainers' pockets: expanding Medicaid, increasing the minimum wage, free school meals, tax credits for families with dependents, paid family and medical leave, workers' rights. What are the next steps we can take to do even more?

Our Prosperity Agenda 2026 points the way 👉

Even with recent gains in wages, many Maine families are still grappling with the affordability of necessities like food, housing, and medical care. This is especially acute […]

10/08/2026

Did you know that every Maine taxpayer is paying $1,579 to fund Trump's deportation machine? Check out some of the better ways that money could be spent 👇

Economic Policy Institute Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition

10/07/2026

Why don't you feel any benefit from Trump's tax cuts? Because they were swallowed by Trump's tax increases. Remember: tariffs are tax increases on Americans. Eliminating health care tax credits is a tax increase, too. You can't talk about one without talking about the others.

Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

10/02/2026

We talk a lot about the rising cost of groceries, gas, and housing. But there’s another huge piece of the household budget: the cost of care - child care, health care, direct care for older and disabled Mainers.

➡️ Maine marketplace health insurance costs are up 27.7% in one year, from $545 to $696 a month.

➡️ Child care can cost more than $16,000 a year for an infant in a licensed center.

➡️ Full-time nursing home care can cost more than $178,000 a year.

➡️ When families can’t afford or find care, they often have to provide it themselves — cutting back on work or leaving the workforce altogether.

Meanwhile, federal policy is making the problem worse by cutting Medicaid and allowing enhanced ACA tax credits to expire.

Care is economic infrastructure. If we want an affordable Maine, we need to invest in the care people depend on.

Read our latest blogpost 👇

At a glance: Mainers are increasingly concerned about the cost of living, including the cost of care Child care, direct care, and health care are essential services […]

09/24/2026