New Maine Welfare Laws Go Into Effect
By Timfly
A new welfare reform law went into effect throughout the state of Maine on July 29. The law aims at changing the spending habits of welfare recipients by penalizing them for purchasing non-essential items.
According to WGME, Maine residents who use their welfare cash benefits to buy items like alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, bail, firearms, pornography, or even tattoos, will have their cash benefits suspended for three months.
WGME adds that the law passed with bipartisan support.
“It’s something that Mainers want,” said Adrienne Howard, press secretary for Gov. Paul LePage. “So, it’s a win-win for everybody. People who are benefiting from our welfare reform, and who are using the benefits, they’re being empowered to create self-reliance for [themselves], and economic stability for the long-term. So, these are all good things, and we are happy that Democrats are finally on-board.”
“I was just met with a number of hurdles in trying to work for the administration, but I was happy that this year they were willing to work with us and we were actually able to move this issue forward,” Rep. Jeff McCabe said.
On his website, Gov. LePage writes that “eliminating welfare fraud and abuse” is one of his priorities.
The site adds, “Governor LePage has introduced and accomplished modest welfare reform since taking office in 2011 including placing a 5 year cap on welfare benefits, requiring drug testing for welfare recipients convicted of drug-related crimes and reducing benefits for non-citizens.”
But the law maintains its critics. Mike Tipping, of the Maine People’s Alliance, says the law is simply “scapegoating” the poor, reports the Portland Press Herald.
Tipping said he thinks children will be most affected by this law, and tweaking the welfare system’s logistics would end up costing the state more than it may save. He added, “This is not going to help anyone get out of poverty.”
Sources: wgme, The Portland Press Herald, Gov. Paul LePage / Photo creditWGME
You are currently reading about New Maine Welfare Laws Go Into Effect. If you've found this helpful, please share New Maine Welfare Laws Go Into Effect on your favorite social media site, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Google+
