Young people should loudly demand welfare reform. Not only because the current welfare system sends the message that able-bodied people can choose to not work and just live off the taxpayers, but because young people have to work harder than anyone else to be successful.
The unemployment rate for young people is twice the national average. The cost of a college education over the past few decades has increased far beyond the rate of inflation, leaving educated young people with ridiculous amounts of student debt and almost guaranteed unemployment after school; or, if employed, usually at a low pay wage. Young people aren’t as able to live independently and will most likely be worse off than their parents.
It is difficult to be young and successful. Knowing that people live for free off their tax dollars should enrage young professionals who are here, working hard and contributing to make their communities an even better place.
As a 23-year-old, I am running for the Maine House of Representatives because I know the state welfare system is broken. I am mad about it, and it is beyond time it was fixed.
Luke Jensen, Lewiston, House District 58 Candidate
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