Starting this week, workers collecting federal benefits may be entitled to more than the $172-per-week minimum.
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.
Maine employers could be taxed by state on federal emergency loans
Businesses and nonprofits will owe state income tax on the forgiven portion of Paycheck Protection Program loans unless legislators change state law.
Low-income Mainers barely hanging on to keep paying rent, research shows
Some are falling behind on other bills, using food pantries or relying on federal and state assistance, which experts say is not sustainable with financial aid programs set to expire.
Maine workers, labor groups warn of widespread suffering unless federal jobless aid is extended
The added $600-per-week benefit has saved thousands of Maine households from poverty, but it is due to expire soon, which could create economic calamity, advocates warn.
Paper mills in Westbrook and Jay announce layoffs totaling 134 workers
Sappi North America will cut 30 percent of its workforce and shut down a paper machine in Westbrook, and Pixelle Specialty Solutions is stopping its pulp operation and laying off dozens at its mill in Jay.
Jobless aid tops $1 billion in Maine as laid-off workers prepare to resume job searches
More than 87,000 weekly unemployment claims were paid out last week, as the state prepares to require claimants to start looking for work.
Errors cloud emergency loan program’s impact on Maine jobs
The U.S. Small Business Administration has made unverified claims about the number of jobs retained in Maine because of the Paycheck Protection Program.
Data reveal Maine’s broad participation in federal emergency loan program
The Paycheck Protection Program has delivered more than $2 billion to companies in Maine, but recipients were kept secret until a limited disclosure by the federal government Monday.
Maine hotels step up safety measures to prove quarantines aren’t needed
Some are going to extreme lengths to keep air purified, guests spread apart and high-touch items disinfected.
Employers say worker-retention program riddled with problems
Some participants complain of missed payments and poor customer service, but the state says WorkShare is new to many, and more education on its proper use may be needed.