AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate today passed a comprehensive bill that adds new restrictions to Maine’s welfare programs that are designed to prevent abuse of taxpayer-funded benefits.
Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) is the sponsor of LD 1375, “An Act to Increase Accountability in Maine’s Welfare Programs.”
Among other restrictions, the bill:
- Prohibits welfare benefits from being used for tobacco, liquor, gambling, lottery, tattoos, and bail
- Prohibits the use of EBT cards outside of Maine
- Adds a work search requirement for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) if they are capable of working
- Imposes penalties, including termination of benefits, for abusers
“I am very encouraged by today’s vote,” Senator Thibodeau said. “It’s time to bring accountability to Maine’s welfare system, and this bill does that. For years, Maine citizens have told us the state’s welfare system is broken. It is broken because it is not helping people move toward self-sufficiency at the rate it should. This bill takes enormous strides toward that goal.”
LD 1375 now goes to the Maine House of Representatives.