Issue Position: Strengthening Maine's Safety Net

Issue Position

Matt believes in a welfare safety net to help those Mainers who have hit a bump in the road and need a hand-up. Welfare was never meant to be a permanent hand out. Matt believes strongly that we must protect our most vulnerable citizens - our elderly, our kids, and our disabled. However, those individuals who can work - should. It is not unreasonable to ask non-disabled adults to contribute to the cost of their services. Matt will support efforts in Augusta to aggressively crack down on welfare fraud by increasing investigation and advocating for tougher penalties for those found guilty of fraud. Matt will also fight to make sure that we protect common-sense measures that ensure welfare dollars are not spent on alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets. Lastly, Matt will support efforts to ensure that those who are able to go to work - either volunteer, receive training, or work part-time in order to qualify for taxpayer funded welfare benefits.

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