When I first heard that Maine Democrats, including Sen. Nathan Libby (guest column, March 20), had done a sudden about-face on welfare reform, I admit I was a bit skeptical. After all, it was less than a year ago that my fellow Democrat representatives called me names such as “cruel” and “heartless” and accused me and other Republicans of “vilifying the poor” for proposing some of the exact same reforms they are now pushing.

However, my gut instinct has proven to be correct. Maine Democrats are no more interested in substantial welfare reform today than they have been for the past five years.

Sen. Libby neglected to mention that he has amended his welfare reform bill, taking all the teeth out of it and creating the same old, watered down, do-nothing bill that leaves us with the status quo on welfare in Maine.

If Democrats have their way, Maine would continue to allow its EBT cards to be used out of state. Those who are abusing this system would still be able to use tax dollars to vacation in Las Vegas and Disney World, thanks to Sen. Libby and the Maine Democrats “tough” Welfare that Works “reforms.”

Maine Democrats’ version of welfare reform is nothing more than smoke and mirrors — election season window dressing.

Rep. Stephen Wood, R-Greene, represents House District 57.