SENATE DEMS SUPPORT BAN ON TOBACCO, BOOZE, AND BAIL WITH TANF DOLLARS

GOP take “my way or the highway” approach and reject compromise

AUGUSTA—In a 20-15 vote, the Senate approved a bill to protect assistance for struggling families byprohibiting the use of TANF money for tobacco products, liquor products, gambling activities, lotteries, and bail, and prohibiting retailers and vendors from accepting TANF benefits to purchase these products.

“TANF money is intended to feed children and help put a roof over their heads. Parents who receive this help shouldn’t be taking those dollars to buy liquor and lottery tickets. It’s wrong,” said Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash.

Not one Republican Senator voted in favor of the measure even though many touted the need prohibit the purchase of these items with TANF dollars.

Sen. Jackson added, “Right now current law allows TANF dollars to be used on these items and the Republicans squawk about this. But their rejection of this bill just shows how disingenuous their outrage is. For them, it’s about a war on the poor, not solving any problems.”

The amended version of LD 1822 also requires people who receive TANF to sign a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services promising not to use EBT cards for these items and requires DHHS to education people who receive TANF about these prohibitions.

“I sponsored this amendment for my constituents who told me we weren’t doing enough to address misuse,” said Senator John Patrick of Oxford. “We hear you; we understand and we agree that we need to do more to address your concerns.”

The amended bill faces further votes in the House and the Senate.

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