Tracking information could be an essential part of larger reforms for the program, some lawmakers and state officials say.
general assistance
Posted inMaine, News
Sanford crisis highlights lack of statewide General Assistance database
An influx of asylum seekers has overwhelmed city staff, who have been forced to cross-check GA rolls in other communities to make sure no one receives benefits twice.
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Posted inMaine, Politics
Municipal leaders ask state to increase General Assistance reimbursements
Lawmakers are considering a handful of bills that would increase the state reimbursement to 90%.
Posted inMaine, News
Lawmakers consider changes as state’s General Assistance program shows strain
Several proposals call for higher state reimbursement, as well as other changes to rental rates, eligibility and administrative support.
Posted inMaine
Coalition of towns hopes to raise money to house asylum seekers
The Greater Portland Council of Governments is trying to fundraise $2 million for a 200-unit transitional housing community.
Posted inMaine, News
General Assistance programs brace for impact from early end to federal emergency rental aid
MaineHousing says it is unclear how much money is needed to close out the program and when those funds will officially run out.
Posted inLivermore Falls Advertiser
Wilton approves changes to general assistance funds
The changes are state-mandated increases to the maximum amount of financial assistance municipalities like Wilton can provide to applicants of the state’s general assistance program.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine House votes to relax welfare restrictions on asylum seekers
The bill, which has gained urgency following the surge of asylum seekers to Portland, provides no money but directs DHHS to offer non-citizens welfare ‘within available resources.’
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Lawmakers consider bills to reinstate asylum seekers’ access to welfare benefits
Welfare reforms pushed by former Gov. Paul LePage and the Republican-controlled Legislature eight years ago eliminated access to some assistance programs for non-citizens.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston to begin inspecting apartments rented through General Assistance
LEWISTON — The city will begin regular code inspections of apartments rented to General Assistance clients. The move comes after repeated concerns from a downtown landlord led officials to review the policy. Jay Allen, a Lewiston landlord, has called the city’s lack of inspections of the units “incredibly wrong,” and said it was hypocritical of […]