Washington Preventing Reform of Programs

One of the largest problems facing our state is the need for better management of our social service programs.  Solving this problem is certainly daunting given the current economic and political landscape.  The downturn in the economy has increased the number of people looking for assistance, and handouts are the currency that keeps politicians in business.  The prospect of Augusta reforming a system in such deep financial trouble is remote.

However, a few recent articles show that Washington has as much, if not more, responsibility to bear for our dilemma as Augusta. 

This week, the Portland Press Herald reported that Maine has spent more than $617 million in federal stimulus money, the majority of which has gone to MaineCare - Maine’s Medicaid Program - unemployment benefits, entitlements, and other social services.  The Bangor Daily News reported last November that because Maine took stimulus funding to cover these social programs, Washington can severely limit our ability to reduce spending or make significant structural reforms. 

In short, even if our state legislature could agree on what to cut, the federal government has prohibited them from doing so without losing federal funding in other areas.  The primary weapon wielded by the federal government is last year’s stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed by just one filibuster-proof vote in the U.S. Senate.

Reducing what Maine spends on our social service programs to national averages would be a major step toward getting our fiscal house in order.  It would reduce the incentive for people outside Maine to take advantage of our generous taxpayers, and ensure a reliable safety net for those who truly need it.  Unfortunately, the politicians in Washington have severely limited the ability of Maine’s next Governor to make the necessary reforms.

Mainers are a big-hearted, fundamentally decent people.  We have a small enough population that fixing our problems shouldn’t be as tough as other states.  With better management of how we provide essential social services, we will reenergize Maine’s independent spirit.  We don’t need Washington standing in the way of that goal. 

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