Welfare reform can happen, but policymakers in Augusta need to hear from you
Earlier this year, The Maine Heritage Policy Center released a several-month long investigation into the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash welfare program. Our investigation found Maine EBT cards being used in all 50 states – yes, Hawaii and Alaska! – Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Welfare cash recipients are also using taxpayer money at liquor stores, cigarette shops, amusement parks, gambling establishments, bowling alleys, bars, pubs, taverns and strip clubs.
Obviously, the system is broken. Maine people are willing to offer our neighbors and hand up. But when public assistance is buying booze, cigarettes, and lap dances, something needs to change. We owe it to the children of Maine to ensure that public assistance money is spent on things like groceries and the basic necessities of life.
We need you to tell your elected officials that you support common sense welfare reform. Tell them you want a welfare system that’s focused on helping children, encouraging work, and being fair to taxpayers.
The system currently forces working taxpayers to subsidize the unhealthy lifestyles of their neighbors. That’s not fair. It’s time to fix the system.
(To learn more, please visit: www.fixwelfare.com)