The June 2 story “Many in Maine struggle to cover basic expenses, report finds” was very informative. It reported that “nearly half of Maine households are unable to cover costs.” As bad as this is, I’ve learned that it is worse than that.
That is, for those who are poor. They routinely face costs that are not included in the Brookings study. Their basic needs are greater than those faced by households that are not impoverished. All studies focused on legal needs show that the poor face, each and every year, a legal problem that is essential to their survival. In addition, their older cars break down more often. Repairs are not cheap. Even when their cars are covered by insurance, there is a deductible that they must pay.
Will legal aid help them? In spite of the seven legal aid programs in Maine, sadly, they provide representation for only about one in three of people who need it.
Donald Fontaine
Falmouth