Jonathan Crimmins wrote favorably April 20 about “free” tuition at University of Maine system schools for Maine National Gueard members, but in the same article chastises our state reps for opposing limits on use of Maine “welfare” benefits for alcohol, tobacco, guns, tattoos, lotto tickets and “porn.” He asks how needy can someone be who buys such things, suggesting that if such (lawful) items are being purchased maybe the recipient does not “need” the program. If this is to be the test, shouldn’t it also apply to Maine National Guard members who receive tax dollar benefits in the form of free tuition? No, of course not. Let’s stop shaming people who are needy and treat everyone with respect. Thanks to our state reps who voted against imposing personal, moral judgments in the form of sanctions on welfare use.

Lucinda E. White,

Freeport