Personal Income Up Slightly in Maine as State Lags

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ Maine residents' personal income is up 0.5 percent in the first three months of the year but the state is in the bottom third among U.S. states.
 
    The Portland Press Herald reports Tuesday that income during the first quarter of 2014 rose 0.8 percent nationally compared to the final three months of 2013. The paper reports Maine ranked 39th among the states in personal income growth during the period and came in last among the New England states.
 
    Maine personal income rose more in late 2013. Personal income grew 1.1 percent from the prior three months in that quarter.
 
    The Press Herald reports the biggest personal income growth came in Washington state, Vermont, and West Virginia. Construction was the biggest contributor to Maine's increase in personal income.