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| "The size of the federal budget is not an appropriate barometer of social conscience or charitable concern."
Ronald Reagan
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Facts
Taxes versus Tax Burden
Most of us pay taxes, so we know what they are, mandatory contributions required by a government in order to provide goods and services. Tax burden is a common phrase used by economists to compare the total taxes collected in a state - from you, me and the business down the street - to some other measure. The most common comparisons are taxes per capita or taxes per total personal income. Depending on what you are comparing, the size of the 'tax burden' can change. The State of Maine officially calculates tax burden by comparing the total amount of state and local taxes paid by Maine residents per $1,000 of income. |
Figures
$100 Billion
The amount of revenue foregone by the U.S. Treasury due to off-shore tax evasion.
$70 Billion
Revenue lost from individuals using off-shore tax havens.
$30 Billion
Revenue lost from corporations.
source: Senator Carl Levin, Michigan, February 17, 2007.
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| Greetings!
Despite a gloomy fiscal climate, the spring equinox is almost here. In keeping with the return of the sun, we promise to bring light to current budget discussions. |
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Making the case
When you're a tax and budget organization and the  number one story on the news each day is the growing state budget shortfall, timely analysis and credible research becomes even more crucial to decision makers and media alike. Kurt Wise, policy analyst, is at the Statehouse frequently these days, making the case for sensible solutions. MECEP has also joined with Maine Can Do Better, a growing coalition of seventy-four organizations who agree that current budget proposals would weaken the fabric of our communities and are urging lawmakers to invest in Maine people and our quality of life. |
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Spotlight: 2008 Board
 MECEP has been fortunate over the years to have expert and commited board members. This year is no exception. New to our board this year (from left to right); Juan Perez-Febles, Virginia Dearani, Bonnie Lounsbury, Keith Bisson, Sue Inches, Steve Ward and Sarah Shed (not pictured).
For a complete board list with affiliations. |
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In the News 
A selection of press releases, articles and opinion pieces from a variety of media sources covering issues we care about.
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Reports and Publications  In this tightening fiscal climate, there is much debate about Maine's Medicaid program, MaineCare. Christine Hastedt, Ana Hicks and Kurt Wise compare Maine to other states in our latest issue of Choices: MaineCare Costs, the Real Story Behind the Numbers. |
On the Air
State of the State is our weekly cable television show about the issues facing Maine. Check here for programs, airtimes, schedules and podcasts.
On the air in March:
- Coming to America stories from young refugees and immigrants
- Maine bridge safety
- Maine's migrant workers
State of the State can air your 30- or 60-second public service announcement during commercial breaks. For more information or to request a DVD of any current or past program, contact dfelder@mecep.org.
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Partners in Prosperity The Maine Center for Economic Policy works in coalition with other organizations in Maine, New England and across the country to achieve its mission. This month we highlight our work with Consumers for Affordable Health Care Foundation (CAHC).This February CAHC received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Community Catalyst to support health care reform efforts in Maine. This is part of a $15 million initiative in twelve states to enhance the critical role advocates play in shaping and promoting comprehensive health reform. Maine Voices for Coverage is a three-year project. MECEP is part of CAHC's leadership team along with American Cancer Society/Maine, the Maine AFL-CIO, Maine Council of Churches, Maine Equal Justice, and the Maine People's Resource Center. | |
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Sincerely,
Deborah Felder
Maine Center for Economic Policy |
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