This is in response to David McKeone’s letter (March 9). He wants people to look at the facts regarding proposed legislation LD 788 and LD 309.

In his first sentence he mis-states the facts; it is a right-to-work law, not a right-to-work-for-less law. His statement is opinion, not fact.

Right-to-work laws are made so hardworking people don’t have to join a union to make a living. Unions are not needed to make a good wage or get good benefits. I work for a company that got rid of the union; the people make good wages and benefits without having to pay dues to a group that puts money in the pockets of people who do nothing to earn it (except drive the cost of doing business up).

Jobs should be earned, not owed.

As for state employees having to pay for some of their benefits — as a taxpayer, why should I have to pay for all of their medical and retirement benefits when I also have to pay a percentage of mine?

I’m not saying that state employees don’t pay taxes, which I’m sure they do, but they should pay for part of their benefits.

I believe that should happen at the state level and also at the federal level.

I wonder if anyone has noticed who is picketing and fighting the legislation: And did the Maine representative who went to Wisconsin to demonstrate do it on taxpayer dollars or her own?

 Arthur Gagne, Greene

Editor’s note: State Rep. Diane Russell, D-Portland, used donations and her own money to travel to Wisconsin.