Media Advisory: Maine Taxpayers Pay for Welfare Dollars Spent in Florida, Las Vegas and Hawaii 

AUGUSTA – As Democrats vote against welfare reforms introduced by Governor Paul R. LePage, members of the LePage Administration continue to educate Mainers about the welfare fraud and abuse within the system. On Monday, a news conference will be held in the Cabinet Room of the Office of the Governor to focus on a Governor’s bill that restricts use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards outside of the State of Maine.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) discovered EBT cards are being used in all 50 states, including at Disney World, Las Vegas and in Hawaii.

“Democrats say that this is only a small amount of fraud and abuse. That’s like saying it’s okay to steal just a little,” said Governor LePage. “Democrats and the press can argue about what an acceptable percentage of welfare fraud is, but our Administration is working to stop 100 percent of welfare fraud.”

Additionally, the Governor has submitted three other bills that would:

• Prevent the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits for alcohol,tobacco products, lottery tickets and bail;
• Require job-ready TANF applicants to look for three jobs before receiving welfare benefits;
• Removes state exemptions allowing TANF recipients to get around the federal work requirement

On Monday, DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew will join House Republican Leader Ken Fredette and supporters of the Governor’s efforts to reform welfare at a news conference within the Office of the Governor.

WHEN: 12:00 PM, Monday, Mar. 31

WHERE: Office of the Governor, Cabinet Room, Augusta