Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

June 2015 – Under the leadership of Gov. Paul R. LePage (R), the state of Maine has declined a federal waiver that extends the period of time in which food stamps can be secured. The state had allowed the waiver since 2008 but has now reinstated certain proactive requirements.

Thus, for Maine’s able-bodied adults without minor dependents (Abawds) to receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beyond three months (within a three-year period), they must now do one of three things: 1) work 20 hours per week, 2) take state job-training courses, or 3) volunteer for about six hours per week. Some exceptions may apply.

“You’ve got to incentivize employment, create goals, and create time limits on these welfare programs,” explained Mary Mayhew, Maine commissioner of Health and Human Services. The number of Abawds receiving food stamps has dropped from 12,000 to 2,530 – nearly 80% – since January 2015.

nytimes.com, 4/11/15; thebigstory.ap.org, 3/24/15