According to a recent article (“Bill would steer $150 million to assist poor children,” Page B1, May 9), Democratic House Speaker Sara Gideon, along with two Republican co-sponsors, has submitted a bill that would increase public assistance to families living in poverty. The bill, L.D. 1475, would, among other things, help those earning less than $10,000 a year (for a family of three).

I believe that Sara Gideon has the drive, initiative, courage and public support to stand up to the machinations of opponents of the bill, Gov. LePage and Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew, and their conservative Republican cohorts, and to persuade enough members of the Legislature to support this vital measure, which will help those who are most in need.

Petros Panagakos

Portland

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