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Governor Signs Pioneering Law To Stop "Brain Drain"
Justin Alfond of the League of Young Voters, which pushed for the so-called Opportunity Maine law, put it this way: "The eyes of the nation are looking at Maine."
AUGUSTA (AP) -- Governor John Baldacci signed a pioneering bill into law Monday aimed at keeping Maine's best and brightest in the state after graduation by offering them tax credits to reimburse their college loans.
Supporters say Maine becomes a national model with the legislation, which was brought to the Legislature by citizen initiative. Rather than send it to voters, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the bill and funded it.
Justin Alfond of the League of Young Voters, which pushed for the so-called Opportunity Maine law, put it this way: "The eyes of the nation are looking at Maine."
Opportunity Maine offers an option allowing a Maine company that hires a Maine college graduate to take the credit if it assumes the former student's loan debt.
Baldacci says the program will require a big commitment by the Legislature over the long-term to make sure the program remains funded. But the governor says he's personally committed to it.
Supporters say Maine becomes a national model with the legislation, which was brought to the Legislature by citizen initiative. Rather than send it to voters, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the bill and funded it.
Justin Alfond of the League of Young Voters, which pushed for the so-called Opportunity Maine law, put it this way: "The eyes of the nation are looking at Maine."
Opportunity Maine offers an option allowing a Maine company that hires a Maine college graduate to take the credit if it assumes the former student's loan debt.
Baldacci says the program will require a big commitment by the Legislature over the long-term to make sure the program remains funded. But the governor says he's personally committed to it.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
