Public Law, Chapter 363, 123rd Legislature, First Regular Session

Chapter 363 H.P. 1014 - L.D. 1445

An Act To Define “Livable Wage”

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §1-A is enacted to read:

§ 1-A. Livable wage defined

As used in this Title, unless the context otherwise indicates, "livable wage" means the statewide average livable wage for a 2-parent household with 2 earners and 2 children as reported by the Department of Labor in the most recent annual report required pursuant to section 1405.

Sec. 2. 26 MRSA §1405 is enacted to read:

§ 1405. Livable wages; calculation

1. Calculation. By December 31, 2007 and annually thereafter, the department shall calculate livable wages for households in the State’s counties and metropolitan statistical areas by family size and as statewide averages by developing an annual basic needs budget for the following family sizes:

A. Single person;

B. Single parent and one child;

C. Single parent and 2 children;

D. Two parents, with one earner and 2 children; and

E. Two parents, with 2 earners and 2 children.

By January 30, 2008 and annually thereafter, the department shall report the livable wages calculated pursuant to this subsection to the Legislature.

Sec. 3. Livable wage calculation. In calculating the livable wages pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26, section 1405, the Department of Labor shall use the methodology set forth by the Maine Center for Economic Policy in the report entitled "Getting By: Maine Livable Wages in 2004."

Effective September 20, 2007

Public Laws

123rd Legislature

First Regular Session

Chapter 363

H.P. 1014 - L.D. 1445