LD 1950, sponsored by Rep. Joan Pendexter, is an act to establish a welfare reform plan pilot program which would be tested throughout the state. This program would encourage a partnership between government, the private sector and AFDC recipients. …

I applaud the spirit of this program in that it requires the AFDC recipient to work and-or receive educational training to further his or her job prospects. The provision requiring under-age parents to reside at home helps build family unity and responsibility by the recipients’ parents. These goals are very noble. I do, however, disagree with the provision within this bill which would pay businesses $3,780 for hiring an AFDC recipient in this pilot program. In my view, this provision provides an unfair and undue burden on those seeking jobs without the benefit of a state-financed enticement.

The goal of any welfare reform should be to de-emphasize dependency upon the state. While I wholeheartedly support the educational and work requirements of this bill, I do not support paying businesses to hire those who may not be qualified over those who are. Let’s fine tune this bill to wipe out any further dependency. Sean D. Stillings Republican candidate Maine House District 117 Bangor