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Want to tackle racial inequality? State level policies are a good place to start. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of some of legislation proposed in #Maine that will help level the playing field (thread) #mepolitics #MartinLutherKingJrDay
“An Act To Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit in Maine” (LR 163) would increase the size of the state EITC, which goes to low income families. Maine has some the highest poverty rates for POC in the nation, and the EITC is one of the most effective anti poverty programs
“An Act To Ensure Pay Transparency and Reduce Gender and Racial Inequities” (LR 942) would require disclosure of race and gender pay gaps for large companies. Black women in Maine make ~59¢ for every $1 made by a white man. More transparency will force corps to face inequities
“An Act Regarding Pay Equality” (LR 84) would prohibit employers from asking about salary history during a job application or interview. Current practice solidifies historic inequalities for women and POC.
“An Act To Enact the Maine Fair Chance Employment Act” (LR 321) would prevent employers asking job applicants about criminal history before the final stage of an application. Studies show young black men are disproportionately impacted by current practice
“An Act To Limit the Dissemination of Certain Criminal Records” (LR 655) would establish a procedure to allow people with old criminal records to have them sealed from employers, landlords, etc. POC are most likely to have outstanding records for low level drug offenses
“An Act To Establish the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial and Ethnic Populations” (LR 322) would establish this commission for the first time. Modeled on the existing commission on the status of women, this will provide a crucial venue for tackling POC’s problems
“An Act To Improve College Affordability” (LR 1538) would triple the funding available for the State of Maine Grant. The SoM grant provides no strings attached money to low income Mainers to attend college. POC are more likely to struggle with college costs, leading to drop out
“An Act to Ensure Integrity of For-profit Colleges and Universities” (LR 136) would regulate for profit colleges in Maine and require annual reporting. For profits colleges enroll POC at higher rates than Whites. For profits have higher costs and higher drop out rates.
“An Act to Establish a Student Loan Bill of Rights To Regulate Student Loan Servicers” (LR 137). @MECEP1 polling in 2018 found POC in Maine are more likely to have outstanding college debt. Bad actors in the servicing industry cause problems for 40% of Maine loan holders.
“An Act To Support Healthy Workplaces and Healthy Families by Providing Earned Paid Sick Leave to Certain Employees” (LR 150) would extend the right to paid sick time to almost all Mainers. POC in Maine are less likely to have paid sick leave and can least afford unpaid leave
