1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

The decision to end Maine parents' ability to register their newborns for Social Security numbers at the hospital is concerning. This Enumeration at Birth program has been in place since 1989 and is utilized by 99% of parents nationwide, providing a convenient and efficient way to obtain crucial identification for their children. Requiring in-person visits to Social Security offices places an unnecessary burden on new parents during an already demanding time. This change appears to be part of misguided cost-cutting efforts by Elon Musk's team, which has vastly overstated potential savings while disrupting vital programs without proper justification. I urge you to intervene and demand that Maine's participation in the Enumeration at Birth program is reinstated. This long-standing service streamlines the process for parents, reduces administrative burdens on Social Security offices, and ensures prompt documentation for newborns. Dismantling such a well-established and widely utilized program is misguided and will only create unnecessary hardship for Maine families. Please prioritize the needs of our state's residents over questionable cost-saving measures that disrupt essential services without valid cause.