General assistance
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PublishedJuly 13, 2023
Additional state GA funding should prevent higher tax increase in Portland budget
The city is expected to get about $7.45 million from the state to offset General Assistance costs over the next year.
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PublishedMay 12, 2023
Our View: Crisis in Sanford further exposes Maine’s underpreparedness
Successive calls for coordination of asylum seekers at the state level have led to nothing. What took place in Sanford this week will continue happening if this inaction continues.
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PublishedMay 11, 2023
Lawmakers considering proposals to create statewide database for General Assistance
Tracking information could be an essential part of larger reforms for the program, some lawmakers and state officials say.
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PublishedMay 11, 2023
Our View: General Assistance must keep up with a changing Maine
The program is the last resort for an increasing number of people with no other options.
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PublishedMay 11, 2023
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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PublishedMay 5, 2023
Municipal leaders ask state to increase General Assistance reimbursements
Lawmakers are considering a handful of bills that would increase the state reimbursement to 90%.
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PublishedJanuary 24, 2023
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.
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PublishedNovember 28, 2022
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.
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PublishedNovember 13, 2022
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.
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PublishedMay 16, 2022
New Portland shelter policy creates budget, housing worries for neighboring communities
Officials in South Portland say they're looking at a potentially significant budget increase because of Portland's decision.
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