John Kerry and John Edwards aren’t the only ones talking about trade and job losses. So is Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston.

While the state can’t change the North American Free Trade Agreement or control the federal government’s trade policies, Rotundo insists there are things the state can do to fight job losses. Maine can lobby Maine’s congressional delegation, join forces with neighboring states and try to bring pressure on trade negotiations, and find ways to mitigate job losses from trade agreements.

In the last two years the more Rotundo looked at Maine’s trade deficit the more alarmed she’s grown. “We can’t afford to lose any more manufacturing jobs. We must pay closer attention. We need greater information so we can explore options to help our state’s small businesses and workers.”

But to be effective Maine has to be armed with data on how the state’s been hit by international trade agreements. Last year Rotundo got legislation passed that approved a study examining that. Preliminary results, released in December, brought no surprise to anyone punching a clock at a paper mill: the metal and wood industries have been big losers from NAFTA, getting clobbered by imports and lost jobs. Potatoes, blueberries and acquaculture have been winners, the report concluded. But considering that more Mainers make a living from the wood industry (or used to) than blueberries and potatoes, one could conclude NAFTA hasn’t been a boon for Maine, although experts say China imports are doing more harm than NAFTA.

More study is needed, Rotundo said, adding that on Friday a public hearing will be held collecting input from the report (available online at http://mitc.com, click on resources, then click on reports.) That hearing will be held in front of the Business and Economic Development Committee, time and room location not yet announced. (Call 287-1331).

Rotundo is pushing another bill to encourage the state to, when awarding construction contracts, give preference to United States suppliers over Canadian suppliers. Passage of LD 608 wouldn’t stop Maine from sending liquor business to Massachusetts, but Rotundo wants to slow Canadian firms winning state contracts over domestic, who unlike Canadian companies pay for workers health care. “The lowest bid is not necessarily in the best interest of Maine taxpayers,” Rotundo said.

Family week

It was evident in the State House that school vacation was last week. Big-eyed kids observing democracy were everywhere.

As the House began its day Wednesday the speaker ticked off the names of children serving as honorary pages. There were 29 compared to the normal six or 10, their last names often matched legislators.

“It’s family week in the Legislature. Actually, it’s school vacation,” Speaker Patrick Colwell said. “Child care is a major issue for Maine people, including the House of Representatives.”

Among the pages was Marinna Smith, daughter of Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth. Wednesday was Marinna’s eighth birthday, which fetched her a round of applause.

First lady’s web site

Gov. John Baldacci and first lady Karen Baldacci have announced she’s gone online. At www.maine.gov/firstlady is information about Karen Baldacci’s initiatives on literacy, health, promotion of Maine-made products and programs for children. There’s background on the first lady, family photos, information about the Blaine House and parenting tips.

Quote of the week

“His plan is boring.” Minority House Leader Joe Bruno talking about Gov. Baldacci’s tax reform plan, and how angry taxpayers may vote for Carol Palesky’s referendum.

Bonnie Washuk is the Sun Journal State House reporter.