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November 13, 2023 Edition
Focus on Law

Feuding over family leave: Businesses fear bigger staffing headaches under Maine’s new law

Renee Cordes

The newly enacted law is being called one of the country’s broadest and most generous paid family and medical leave programs.

Today's Poll

Do you rent or own a home?
Poll Description

Maine's housing shortage is fueling the cost of buying a home. In March, Maine's median home price was $381,500, up 9% from a year ago, according to Maine Listings. In Cumberland County, including the Portland area, the median sales price was $565,000 last month. 

Higher prices are also putting pressure on the rental market. Young people, singles and families new to Maine are looking to get rentals, but so are potential home buyers who can't find a home in their price range. Higher interest rates are also an issue.

As a place to rent, Maine ranks No. 13 in the U.S., with average monthly rents reaching $1,971, according to a new Ipsos iSay survey of American renters.

With so many people shut out of buying a home, we're curious what alternatives people are finding. 

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