BDN : reported that LePage seeks to lock tougher welfare rules into law — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine

"These reforms have restored confidence in Maine's welfare system for the taxpayers who fund them," LePage said during a news conference at the State House. Our churches and nonprofits are doing as much as they can in the state but the need is growing." The share of Maine children in extreme poverty rose from 18,000 to 23,000 between 2011 and 2014, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. But Democrats have argued that his initiatives led to increased poverty and hunger in Maine. Based on January state data, the three-year time limit would affect 1,500 children on the program.

Gov. LePage proposes tougher welfare rules

Governor LePage and Commissioner Mayhew introduced the Welfare Reform for Increased Security and Employment, also known as the RISE Act, in Augusta Tuesday morning. That is why it is so important to make these permanent," Governor LePage said. (WGME)AUGUSTA (WGME) -- Governor Paul LePage and DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew introduced a new bill that the governor says will help Mainers become more self-sufficient. Ban or suspend parents who are not cooperating with child support services from receiving food assistance. Disqualify lottery and gambling winners of $5,000 or more from receiving food assistance.

Gov. LePage tells legislators: Turn my welfare actions into permanent law

• Disqualifying all adults in a household from receiving assistance if one member is convicted of welfare fraud or theft. The LePage administration says those work requirements have led to a 114 percent wage increase for those participating. Flanked by Republican lawmakers, LePage said his administration's policy changes are deterring fraud, reducing state spending and helping Mainers transition out of welfare. Although lawmakers approved some of those changes, LePage also has used his executive authority to effect other changes to the safety net programs used by hundreds of thousands of low-income Mainers. One of the administration's proposals would deny Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to all adults in a household if any member is convicted of welfare fraud.


collected by :Lucy William

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