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

§1-A.__Liveable wage defined

As used in this Title, unless the context otherwise indicates, "liveable wage" means the statewide average liveable wage for a single-parent, one-child household 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.__Liveable wage; calculation

1.__Calculation.__By December 31, 2006 and annually thereafter, the department shall calculate liveable 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, 2007 and annually thereafter, the department shall report the liveable wages calculated pursuant to this subsection to the Legislature.

Sec. 3. Liveable wage calculation. In calculating the liveable 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."

SUMMARY

This bill is a recommendation of the Study Commission Regarding Liveable Wages. The bill directs the Department of Labor to annually calculate the liveable wage for various