It’s that time of year. People across the state are preparing to file their income tax returns. People who graduated from a Maine college and are now paying off student loans, should find out if they are eligible for the Maine Educational Opportunity tax credit, more commonly known as Opportunity Maine.

Opportunity Maine reimburses college graduates who continue to live and work in Maine for the educational loan payments they make each year through this state income tax credit. Unfortunately, some eligible taxpayers aren’t benefiting from this income tax credit simply because they aren’t aware of it.

During my first term in the Legislature, I sponsored a bill to raise awareness about this program because I know its potential to benefit Maine’s college graduates, our workforce and the economy. Our state faces the dual challenges of relatively low average pay and high average student debt, but this bold program can offset much, or even the entire burden, of educational loan payments for some graduates.

Throughout my time in the Legislature, building a strong economy has been my top priority. The Opportunity Maine tax credit is an important tool to keep young people in our state and make it easier for our college graduates to live and work here.

For more information about the tax credit visit www.opportunitymaine.org. Information about other resources to help students afford their education can be found by visiting Finance Authority of Maine online at www.famemaine.com.

Rep. Gay Grant

D-Gardiner