Citing increased applications and a lack of capacity, the Freeport Community Services board voted on May 20 to back out of the General Assistance Program, a statewide initiative to help Mainers meet basic needs.
general assistance
Posted inLocal & State
Portland lobbies state lawmakers for more General Assistance money
The city is trying to fill a $20.3 million gap in next year’s budget, and Mayor Mark Dion says General Assistance is a crucial part of that.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine safety net spending has tripled since start of pandemic
With costs ballooning, state lawmakers are looking at ways to restructure the state’s General Assistance program to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Posted inLocal & State, News
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.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
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.
Posted inLocal & State, 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.
Posted inLocal & State, 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 inLocal & State, 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.