Now that Maine lawmakers have completed their work on a state budget, the governor is turning his attention to bonds.

In his weekly radio address, Gov. John Baldacci pitches his $79 million job-creation bond package. Baldacci says the package before the Appropriations Committee would put 2,000 people back to work within the next year and help to protect the jobs of thousands of more workers.

It includes funds for highways, preservation of freight rail service in Aroostook County, and other transportation and energy projects.

In the Republican response, House Minority Leader Josh Tardy of Newport says Mainers cannot be buried deeper and deeper in debt. Tardy says that last spring, all sides agreed on a $150 million bond package for this two-year budget cycle.


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