News room

[Warchest]

Governor Paul LePage has introduced a proposal that could change the way welfare works in his state—and potentially in the country. His recent proposals asks that those receiving food stamps be expected to work 20 hours per week, or at least spend that same amount of time volunteering. According to the proposal, if they fail to do so, they will be limited to only three months of benefits.

The policy intends to increase the resources of local agencies, and to reduce pressure on the overused benefits program. According to reports, the program distributes nearly $15 million in food assistance per year.

LePage has made it clear that while he does not object to helping those in need, “there is no excuse for able-bodied adults to spend a lifetime on welfare at the expense of hard-working, struggling Mainers.”

There a few arguments against the proposal. The citizens of the state will get some return on their tax dollars, and recipients will not be punished unless they stop doing what they are supposed to be doing anyhow. Plus, community organizations will gain new volunteers.

In fact, the proposal has many Americans hoping that this policy will be implemented throughout the country.