AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today announced he is the sponsor of a sweeping welfare reform bill that is designed to make recipients accountable to Maine taxpayers.
Thibodeau made his comments today at a news conference in the Cabinet Room at the Maine State Capitol and was joined by Governor Paul LePage, Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner (DHHS) Mary Mayhew, and two former recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits who are now on their own without government assistance.
The welfare reform bill is similar in many ways to several bills that were proposed in the 126th Legislature and were blocked by partisans on the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee who either rejected the bills outright or weakened already existing rules while attempting to pass this off as “reform.”
“This action is long overdue by the Maine Legislature, and that’s why I am pleased to support this legislation,” Senate President Thibodeau said. “Given the makeup of the 127th Legislature, I believe it has a much better chance to pass this time around, and that will be a win for the Maine taxpayer.”
Among the highlights of the welfare reform bill:
- A work requirement for job-ready TANF applicants (must apply for 3 jobs before receiving benefits)
- Prohibits use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards outside of Maine Legislature
- Prohibits benefits from being used for tobacco, liquor, gambling, lottery, tattoos, and bail
- Imposes a 6 month termination of benefits after the third failure violation of regulations
In the next few weeks, the welfare reform bill is expected to be introduced to the HHS Committee for consideration.