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Paul LePage on Welfare & Poverty
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Maine's TANF welfare system is too generous
Gov. LePage announced that he will seek changes to the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in order to avoid millions of dollars in federal penalties that he said result from a welfare system that's too generous. Democrats said the
problems in the TANF program are not new and that LePage is highlighting the issue now to bolster his image as a welfare reformer.According to LePage, the state could be liable for up to $13 million in federal fines for not meeting national TANF
guidelines from 2007 to 2010, though that amount can be reduced if Maine takes quick action. At issue is that the state did not meet federal requirements for the number of TANF recipients who were working while receiving benefits. "We must fix this Maine
law in order to comply with federal law," said LePage. "Maine is overly generous in allowing a wide variety of exemptions from the work requirement, which are not recommended by the federal government, making it impossible to meet federal standards."
Source: Bangor Daily News on 2014 Maine gubernatorial race
, Jan 3, 2014
End welfare-on-day-one: No instant eligibility for benefits
Maine is one of just a few places in the country that offers "welfare-on-day-one," for legal non-citizens. Our budget saves $20 million by eliminating instant eligibility for welfare benefits and sends the message that work
and independence are what is expected of everyone in Maine. Our budget also includes a true five-year time limit on welfare eligibility and incentives to help move people from dependence to self-sustaining employment.
Source: Maine 2011 State of the State Address
, Feb 10, 2011
Page last updated: Mar 25, 2014
