It will take time for the state’s labor department to implement reauthorized federal benefits and new payments from the COVID-19 relief package finalized after a delay by the president.
Peter McGuire
Peter McGuire is a business reporter covering Maine trade, transportation and tourism. A proud native of the western Maine mountains, there is a good chance he’d rather be playing outside. Peter has covered local news for Maine newspapers in Oxford County, Brunswick, Waterville and Portland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Boston University. He lives in Biddeford with his wife Stephanie and brown rescue dog named Emmy Lou.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Despite warnings, thousands of Mainers expected to travel for holidays
Winter holiday travel will be far less prevalent than in previous years, but many will still hit the road as public officials urge caution amid the raging pandemic.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Jobless claims remain high in Maine as pandemic rages
Nearly 3,000 more state unemployment claims were filed last week as President Trump casts doubt on an aid package that would benefit tens of thousands of jobless Mainers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
State delivers $600 checks to 40,000 jobless Mainers
The one-time payment will go to those unemployed because of COVID-19 as the state prepares to start new federal jobless benefits.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Passage of federal pandemic aid bill gives Mainers glimmer of hope despite shortcomings
The $900 billion package that passed the House and Senate late Monday includes a $300-per-week unemployment benefit for the next 3 months and $600 stimulus checks for those making up to $75,000.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Maine’s job recovery since the early pandemic has ground to a halt
The November jobs report showed a decrease of 500 jobs, after consistent but dwindling increases since a collapse in the labor market this spring.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
With pandemic aid set to expire, new unemployment claims hit 5-month high in Maine
Claims for state benefits totaled about 3,000 for the second consecutive week, which officials say is the result of seasonal layoffs.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Colby outlook predicts Maine economic recovery by 2022, if U.S. can control coronavirus
The annual report warns that economic recovery relies on controlling the pandemic, an effective vaccination campaign and financial relief from the federal government.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Wex settles lawsuit, buys companies in UK at reduced price
The Portland company was sued after it pulled out of a $1.7 billion purchase of the two companies, but wound up buying both for a third of the original price.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
All $1.25 billion of Maine’s CARES Act funding now spoken for
A relief fund created in March was spent to support small businesses, unemployed workers, schools, healthcare providers and local governments.