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.
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.
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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.
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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.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
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.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
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.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
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.
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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.
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Mills advisory group warns of ‘economic cliff’ if no more federal aid comes
Leaders of the Maine Economic Recovery Committee warn of a ‘devastating’ economic decline unless the federal government takes further action.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine jobless claims continue to ease amid phased reopening of businesses
Over 4,000 Mainers filed new claims for jobless benefits last week, even as the state prepared to allow the vast majority of businesses to open back up.
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Maine extends maximum length of jobless benefits by 13 weeks
Out-of-work Mainers can now receive as many as 39 consecutive weeks of benefits through state and federal assistance programs.