Compromise is now unacceptable in politics, but compromise legislation often passes when everyone disagrees with part of it. So, regarding welfare reform, I propose the following.

The governor and I agree that public assistance over time is disempowering and often self-perpetuating. We agree that getting people back to work is a top priority.

As I wrote previously (“Letter to the editor: Devil is in the details on food stamp cut,” Jan. 1), what is ignored is the shortage of work throughout the state. The working-class jobs that kept Maine strong for years have gone away, and no one has a solution for replacing them.

So, I reiterate my previous proposal: The governor and Legislature must support funding for unemployed citizens to be guaranteed work.

This work would be in infrastructure restoration and projects that have increasingly festered because of inadequate funding. Once these jobs are created, then we can have a conversation about mandatory work requirements.

Proponents of cutting off aid will hate increased government engagement, and supporters of the disenfranchised will hate a mandate that requires work participation.

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To the first group, I say: What’s your alternative? Cutting benefits for those who have no access to work escalates social burdens. To the latter group, I say: There is nothing crueler than disconnection from being able to earn one’s living.

The private sector will hate this plan because they believe it takes away economic opportunity. To them, I say: This is work they’ll never see because it’s never going to be funded.

This solution is a win-win. For the state, it will reduce the population on welfare, increase taxes and refurbish fragile assets. For the citizens, it will restore dignity and give them a foundation of hope for their future. For Maine, it will prove we still know how to work together for the common good.

Mac McCabe

Portland


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