Study results released by John Kerry’s presidential campaign earlier this week said Maine would gain 47,000 jobs under Kerry’s plan to create 10 million jobs nationwide. The study contrasts with the policies of George W. Bush, which caused a loss of 16,000 manufacturing jobs in Maine, the campaign said.

His plan calls for eliminating incentives for corporations to send jobs overseas and create good-paying jobs by giving small businesses help to hire new workers, the campaign said. Additional, Kerry would reduce health-care costs, which are preventing businesses from growing. The plan also calls for expanding the manufacturing tax credit to include industries at risk of being outsourced.

As Bush watched unemployment insurance expire for 1.1 million Americans – including 3,800 Mainers – John Kerry called on Bush to extend the aid to jobless workers, the campaign said.

Kerry’s campaign Web site is www.johnkerry.com.

Bush campaign speaks today to college GOP

Maine Bush-Cheney campaign Chairman Peter Cianchette and the Maine campaign’s Executive Director Randy Bumps will speak today to more than 140 students at the Maine College Republican annual state convention today.

The convention is being held at Colby College in Waterville, 10 a..m. to 3 p.m., at the Roberts Union.

Leaders won’t back

their referendum

In the property tax relief arena, a group of legislators unveiled an agreement they reached earlier this week between municipal leaders and teachers that they say could settle a June ballot battle.

The working group of legislators, which includes Rep. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, declared its support for an immediate increase in state funding for local schools of $40 million. That, they said, would be a step toward boosting the state share of local school costs to 55 percent by 2010, with the ultimate goal of lowering property taxes.

If the $40 million for education happens soon, the Maine Municipal Association and Maine Education Association pledged to withdraw support for their referendum on the June ballot. The question asks voters to require the state to immediately begin paying 55 percent of local education costs. Passage would cost the state about $240 million more a year.

Sen. Kenneth Gagnon, D-Waterville, said getting the agreement between lawmakers, the MEA and MMA was significant. They outlined their agreement during a State House press conference Tuesday.

Gov. John Baldacci’s administration responded with a big yawn. Faced with deficits, spokesman Lee Umphrey questioned where the $40 million would come from, and said there’s no guarantee more spent on education would result in lower tax bills.

Bonnie Washuk is the Sun Journal State House reporter.

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