The State of Maine is an interesting
place. Stuck in the farthest northeast
corner of the country, it shares a longer border with Canada than it does with
the rest of the United States. Yet, its
geographical isolation is probably a factor in its refusal to be dominated by
its liberal neighbors to the west and south.
A case in point is what Maine is doing about Food Stamps.
Last year Maine imposed a three-month
limit on Food Stamps for able-bodied adults without minor dependents, unless
they work 20 hours a week, take state job-training courses, or volunteer for
six hours a week. Lo and behold, the
number of Food Stamp recipients in this category has dropped by 80% since the
law was passed. Food Stamp enrollment under President Obama is up 70%. Work is not a requirement. Do we see a connection here?
I would love to see North Carolina adopt the same program as Maine. Would it be disrespecting able-bodied Food Stamp recipients who can’t find a job to require them to spend six hours a week as volunteers?
I spent my entire teenage years in the State of Maine. My most vivid memory is of frozen feet in sub-zero temperatures. I have never wanted to go back. But I tip my hat to that state for its bold, independent policies. Common sense does come from unexpected places.
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