AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Senate on Thursday approved a bill to impose for the first time a cap on the number of months a person can receive aid through the General Assistance program.
LD 1035, by Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, would limit recipients to nine months of assistance in any five-year period. The cap would apply only to individuals with no children or other dependents, who are “capable of work.”
The Senate voted 24-11 in favor of the legislation, with Democratic Sens. John Patrick of Rumford, Cathy Breen of Falmouth, Bill Diamond of Windham and David Dutremble of Biddeford, joining majority Republicans to greenlight the bill.
General Assistance is a joint state and local program to provide fast, emergency funds to Mainers who cannot afford basic life necessities, such as heat, rent, electricity or food.
Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond of Portland said the bill’s approval was “really, tremendously sad.”
“People use General Assistance as a lifeline,” he said. “The last line of defense when things are going very poorly for themselves and their families.”
Republicans touted the bill’s passage as a victory for voters who supported their party’s focus on welfare reform in last year’s election.
Sen. Andre Cushing of Hampden, the assistant GOP leader, said it was prudent to impose a limit on those who are capable of working.
“Things may be different in the big city of Portland, but GA is for people who need a hand-up, not a lifestyle,” he said.
The bill still faces an initial vote in the Democrat-controlled House, and further votes in both chambers.
Follow Mario Moretto on Twitter at @riocarmine.
