AUGUSTA — A legislative committee will start to consider bills that would reform the state’s general assistance program.
Maine towns each run a general assistance program that helps people lacking enough money to pay necessary expenses.
The state reimburses the towns and cities for 70 percent of such benefits. LePage’s final two-year budget proposal would eliminate the $12.1 million program.
Six bills are scheduled for a hearing on Monday.
Republican Sen. Eric Brakey is sponsoring legislation that would create a 9-month time limit on general assistance benefits for individuals who can work and who don’t have dependents.
Another bill he is sponsoring would bar general assistance for certain individuals who exhausted the 60-month limit on the state-and federally-funded Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

State Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.
-
175th anniversary
Looking Back on Oct. 2
-
Dear Abby
Mother’s make own parents pay to see the grandkids
-
Dr. Roach
Hyaluronic acid improves joint pain, but isn’t recommended
-
Horoscope
Gemini: An energetic approach to responsibilities will keep you out of trouble.
-
Connections
Educational center to offer college planning sessions in October