Why summarize The Drum Major Institute's praise when you can read it for yourself!

10. Maine Retains Brains

Talk about killing two birds with one stone: with an innovative new program called Opportunity Maine, the Pine Tree State is simultaneously addressing the mounting burden of student loan debt and the economic development challenge of retaining an educated workforce. It works like this: Opportunity Maine provides a state income tax credit to graduates from public and private colleges located in the state, including both community colleges and four-year institutions. The tax credit is equivalent to the amount of any educational loan payments that graduates (or their employers) are making and lasts for up to ten years while graduates are paying off their loans. Here’s the catch: to be eligible for the tax credit, graduates must continue to live in Maine. By providing an incentive for graduates to remain in the state, the policy not only helps young graduates struggling with debt, but also reverses the flow of educated people out of Maine. Supporters predict that the long-term investment in a skilled workforce will eventually pay for itself as higher paying jobs for educated workers are generated and retained in the state. This bright policy idea didn’t come from politicians: grassroots organizations, including the League of Young Voters, began a petition drive that was later picked up by legislators. For a smart investment in the education of its residents, Opportunity Maine earns an A+ and the designation “Best of 2007.”