We don't talk about this enough.

As citizens we pay for a range of programs that are our safety net, but when we need those programs they can be prohibitive to access.

There are penalties in place for fraud, and most certainly we should be good stewards of public funds, but... https://twitter.com/pxwhittle/status/1265719948896284672

...we should not interrupt or delay serving those with needs, nor should we burden those who are vulnerable with uncertainty, lack of communication, screenings and delays to prevent fraud that create more harm than the fraud they catch, or treat people who need help like crud.

I have been hearing from folks who are trying to get UI in Maine, struggling with no call backs, mixed messages, bad information, and no clarity for when relief will come.

Policy makers need to really consider how these choices impact people.

Delays can mean using credit cards (if they have them), late fees, higher interest rates for *years* from missed debt obligations.

A vehicle repossession while waiting for aid can create a long spiral for a vulnerable person that can take YEARS to recover from.

When we go to our government for help, we don't need to be shamed, discouraged from applying, treated like a criminal, or forced into painful and unnecessary delays...we need the help *we paid for* to be timely and humanely delivered.
#mepolitics #mesen