Stop Shaming Poor People, Mayor Macdonald

Robert Macdonald wants to create a publicized list of people in the state of Maine that collect welfare. Supposedly, the list would be an act of transparency so taxpayers would know where their money is going.

We see through that, however, and urge Macdonald to stop proposing bills that are designed to shame the state's poorest citizens. Some people already have a tough enough time accepting assistance to take care of their families.

Macdonald's other proposed welfare reforms - capping assistance at 5 years and removing women who have children from welfare - show that he's trying to slowly dismantle welfare however he can. We encourage the mayor to find more productive ways to support his most vulnerable citizens.