Perhaps we should use the current downturn in state tax revenues as an opportunity to re-examine the costly social service programs gobbling up large amounts of money.

As the lead Republican on the Health and Human Services Committee, having jurisdiction over MaineCare and all public benefit programs, I feel it is time retrofit government programs into a framework which is sustainable and fits the budget of a relatively low per capita income rural state.

Republican efforts last session to initiate Medicaid went ignored by leadership. We advanced the argument it is better to reform existing programs now (2007) so we would not have to spend so much time in 2008 and beyond figuring where to cut when the money dried up. We were called “cruel” for our effort. No reforms beyond the governor’s internal DHHS initiatives were advanced.

What is more cruel: Restructuring Medicaid and welfare programs where they will be around in the future for those who really need the services, or continuing on the current course where government is all things to all people, offering expansive programs and add-ons, then pulling the rug out from under established clients when tax revenues sink?

The numbers show how unstable the status quo is: Behind Alaska, Maine has the second-highest spending per nonelderly adult Medicaid beneficiary (19-64 years old) out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. We are 62 percent more expensive per adult beneficiary than the other New England states.

Reform of MaineCare, welfare and their expansions is needed to keep a basic social safety net in place for the future, ensure the state’s solvency and reduce the burden on overly taxed Maine residents. Eligibility for programs, benefits and co-pays should be on the table. I invite the Democratic leadership to join Maine Republicans on this quest for sustainability.

Rep. Bob Walker

Lincolnville