AUGUSTA — Maine Republican lawmakers continue to push for proposals to overhaul the state’s welfare program, but they face significant opposition from majority Democrats.

Dozens of Republicans gathered outside of the State House on Friday to support the measures, which among other things would limit the use of electronic benefit cards to alcohol and cigarettes.

The House endorsed an amended version, instead, that would add smoke shops to the place where EBT cards are already banned.

Some Democrats sought to amend the bill to keep the ban, but soften the penalties for offenders. It received little support in either party.

Republicans called that a “fraudulent compromise” and say Democrats aren’t interested in finding common ground.

But Assistant House Democratic Leader Jeff McCabe says his amendment would’ve given Republicans “95 percent of what they wanted.”