This is in response to Barbara Rankins’ letter of March 11. I agree with some of the points – the wrong programs are being targeted for funding cuts, as is education, again.

I believe every part of the government needs to tighten belts. How much more can the targeted programs take in cuts? Soon we will have to pay extra to send our children to public schools.

I believe the whole welfare system needs to be revamped. People who are perfectly capable of working, need to work. Yes, there are people who are disabled and fully deserve the help, long term.

The welfare program should be a short-term fix while people are looking for a new job, or going to school to learn a new trade.

If able-bodied people took responsibility for their own welfare, and not rely on the state programs to support them, that would save money without cutting other programs.

I don’t believe that raising taxes is the answer. I believe Mainers are overtaxed. We are all struggling to make ends meet. The cost of gas and oil has doubled, but incomes have not.

If taxes are raised, I think it will do in a lot of middle class families.

If state officials don’t want to use the rainy day fund for a crisis like this, then what is it to be used for?

Erica Hebert, Poland