It’s obvious that Maine’s taxes and budgeting are not adequate for its needs. Raising the taxes of cigarettes was the right step. Now the state should raise taxes on alcohol and enforce stricter punishments on drug-related offenses.

In other states, people are sentenced to years in jail for being charged with possession with intent to distribute. In Maine, they often receive a fine and are released.

Our current welfare programs are a waste of tax dollars. Welfare should have a four-year limit to help families get back on their feet. The state could provide assistance with student loans, day care, rental assistance, food stamps, health insurance and job-coaching assistance to help adults in the family obtain at least part-time employment while attending college to pay for part of their own bills.

Then after the four-year limit, drop the assistance partly. Stop the rental assistance and food stamps while continuing the health insurance and day care for one additional year. Then, after the fifth year, the family should be on its own feet again.

Obviously, people with illnesses will need continued, more permanent assistance.

We can’t fix the deficit without fixing welfare.

Brandon Corkum, Lewiston