Post by Logan on Apr 16, 2016 9:11:24 GMT -6
Maine welfare reform bill brings tighter scrutiny and stronger penalties
AUGUSTA — In an end-of-session compromise, a pair of Lewiston-Auburn state senators, a Democrat and a Republican, advanced legislation that tightens oversight and increases penalties for welfare recipients who abuse the system.
Prior to Friday, the legislation, first offered by Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, and aimed at limiting purchases made with electronic benefit transfer cards that are loaded with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds, appeared all but dead.
"This bill finally gives Mainers what they've wanted: meaningful welfare reform that focuses assistance on helping families get out of poverty while ensuring accountability at the cash register,” Libby said. “Taxpayer dollars shouldn't be used to buy these sorts of products, and Mainers have been surprised to know these kinds of purchases weren't prohibited before."
Republicans wanted those caught using EBT cards and TANF funds to buy booze, smokes or scratch tickets to lose benefits for up to a year on the first offense. But Democrats said that penalty was too stiff and a single mistake by a TANF recipient could result in an entire family losing as much as $8,000 a year in benefits.
Read more: www.sunjournal.com/news/maine/0001/11/30/maine-welfare-reform-bill-brings-tighter-scrutiny-and-stronger-penalties/1907976
AUGUSTA — In an end-of-session compromise, a pair of Lewiston-Auburn state senators, a Democrat and a Republican, advanced legislation that tightens oversight and increases penalties for welfare recipients who abuse the system.
Prior to Friday, the legislation, first offered by Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, and aimed at limiting purchases made with electronic benefit transfer cards that are loaded with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families funds, appeared all but dead.
"This bill finally gives Mainers what they've wanted: meaningful welfare reform that focuses assistance on helping families get out of poverty while ensuring accountability at the cash register,” Libby said. “Taxpayer dollars shouldn't be used to buy these sorts of products, and Mainers have been surprised to know these kinds of purchases weren't prohibited before."
Republicans wanted those caught using EBT cards and TANF funds to buy booze, smokes or scratch tickets to lose benefits for up to a year on the first offense. But Democrats said that penalty was too stiff and a single mistake by a TANF recipient could result in an entire family losing as much as $8,000 a year in benefits.
Read more: www.sunjournal.com/news/maine/0001/11/30/maine-welfare-reform-bill-brings-tighter-scrutiny-and-stronger-penalties/1907976