Bruce Poliquin is seeking to play political chicken through the use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Giving to the rich while taking from the poor has been a constant motto for the 2nd District representative, from voting for the tax bill to advocating for SNAP benefits to be cut. Through his vote for the tax bill, Poliquin gave corporations and the wealthiest Americans a pass on paying their fair share, and now he’s working to recoup that money by taking food out of the mouths of American families.

The problem is that kicking more people off food stamps doesn’t magically give them a job. Nor does it all of a sudden give them more food. SNAP helps more than 47 million people in the country get the food they need to feed their families and stay healthy.

This idea of “putting Maine back to work” or “building off success” is nothing more than a scam. Arguing success of Maine’s “welfare reform” in the face of Maine being the seventh-hungriest state in the U.S. not only does not make sense, but also is precisely the type of thing we have come to expect from a man who has continually and deliberately voted against the will of his constituents.

We must protect SNAP to ensure that it remains the consistent safety net that it has shown itself to be, serving 23 million low-income households. I call on my 2nd District neighbors to remember Poliquin’s harmful votes come November, and I call on Sen. Susan Collins to oppose any cuts or restrictions to SNAP when the proposals make it to the Senate.

Casey Smith

Portland

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