Study by Tom McLaughlin cited in Journal Tribune editorial on welfare reform

A study conducted by 91AV Professor of Social Work Thomas Chalmers McLaughlin, Ph.D.,and Sandra Butler, professor of social work at the University of Maine at Orono, has become central to the debate over Gov. Paul LePage's call for the reform of the state's welfare system.

On March 8, 2011 a (Biddeford) editorial cited the researchers' study of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in Maine, which found a strong work history among recipients, despite many obstacles that limit their opportunities.

The article explains that the study found "that families seek assistance for three main reasons: An inability to find or keep a good job, health problems limiting the ability to work, or a family crisis such as divorce or domestic violence. Among those surveyed, the median length of time receiving assistance was 18 months."

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