Welfare reform falls flat in committee

Posted May 03, 2011, at 6:48 p.m.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Citing likely constitutional issues, a legislative committee on Tuesday quickly dispatched two bills that would have imposed additional residency requirements on welfare recipients.

Lawmakers have been debating a number of measures aimed at addressing the perception — repeated often during last fall’s political campaigns — that non-Maine residents move to the state to take advantage of more generous welfare programs.

But despite a strong appetite for welfare reform among the State House’s new Republican majority, members of the Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously to recommend rejection of two bills that sought to tighten Maine’s laws.

Both bills would have required applicants for assistance through state and federal programs to prove their residency status before receiving benefits.

LD 1294, sponsored by Rep. Stacey Guerin, R-Glenburn, proposed that applicants present a tax return, utility bill or other government document showing they had been a Maine resident for at least 90 days.

Guerin’s restrictions would have applied to applicants for food stamps, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF, as well as MaineCare and municipal general assistance programs.

But state officials and advocates for lower-income individuals countered that federal courts repeatedly have struck down as unconstitutional laws that imposed minimum residency requirements. Additionally, critics point out that Maine’s TANF levels are the lowest in New England and that more welfare recipients left Maine between 2006 and 2008 than moved to the state.

Responding to the constitutional issues, Guerin proposed a 30-day waiting period for all applicants. But HHS committee members rejected that idea.

Rep. Deborah Sanderson, R-Chelsea, called the 30-day waiting period a backdoor attempt at residency requirements that would end up penalizing Maine residents.

Rep. Leslie Fossel, an Alna Republican who has administered general assistance programs, said in his experience many people seek help only as a last resort when their electricity has been turned off or they are running short on food.

“The problem with the 30-day waiting period is the people who need help the most are the people you’re going to hurt the most,” Fossel said.

The committee voted 12-0 against the bill.

LD 193, sponsored by Rep. Richard Cebra, R-Naples, would have required that applicants for TANF, food stamps or MaineCare — Maine’s Medicaid program — prove they are legal residents of the state or U.S. Although the bill’s title included a 90-day provision similar to Guerin’s measure, the bill’s language does not contain a specific time frame.

But critics pointed out that federal law already requires applicants for TANF, MaineCare or food stamps to be legal U.S. residents. Gov. Paul LePage issued an executive order earlier this year reinforcing his administration’s commitment to enforcing those residency provisions.

Committee members voted 12-0 “ought not to pass” on LD 193.

The committee did, however, endorse a bill, LD 1039, that proposes a special work group to explore ways to increase the efficiency and accountability of municipal general assistance programs.

The bills now will be sent to the House and Senate for consideration; however, the unanimous committee votes mean they may be dispensed with “under the hammer” with no floor debate.

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Olde Hippie

And our legislature wasted how much time ($$$) addressing this bound to lose proposal?
StillRelaxin

So the conservative hype was really nothing more than an effort to stir up negative emotions? Did they not know what everyone has been telling them for years? Were they not listening? Or were they simply looking to get a few votes from those who were unaware of law? Unfortunately for us the answer to all these questions is probably yes.

Now where will you lead us Mayor LePage. Things worked out well for you and your’s but we taxpayers can’t afford to put all “our” sons and daughters on government payrolls.
Anonymous

Now let see if I can understand this, when I go to renew my licence, of 44 years, I have to show a birth certificate and something to show residency.

BUT someone can come to Maine tomorrow and apply and get welfare without proof of residency because it is unconstitutional to require proof of residency.

Ya, this makes perfect sense ……………………….. NOT ……………. So, WHY does anyone have too bring all of this proof too renew a license?
Anonymous

Rep. Deborah Sanderson, R-Chelsea, called the 30-day waiting period a backdoor attempt at residency requirements that would end up penalizing Maine residents.

Huh?!?
Anonymous

What a joke the republican majority is, take a stand and pass the laws and make someone challenge it. Then it would be decided by the courts and they will have to take the heat, you campaigned on this issue do what you said.
Anonymous

Yeah, it’s all LePage’s fault. Go relax . . .
Anonymous

Seems the tide is ebbing CD, the operative word here is “unanimous”.
Anonymous

Again and again, Bill by Bill, most Republicans are putting distance between LePage and his few remaining sycophants. Let’s see, who’s left? Doug Thomas? Whatshername from Hampden? And these two from Glenburn and Naples. Hmmm, anyone else left? Oh yeah Ray and Rick Tyler on the radio. This is getting sad, guess I’ll brew up some Lipton’s and continue watching the Legislature waste everyone’s time.
yowsayowsa1

None.
It died in committee.
Before it got to the legislature.
Anonymous

Rick Tyler….nuff said!
Anonymous

Yes….. Isn’t it nice… Your tax money giving away.
Just the way the Govt work’s..
Anonymous

I find it funny that people don’t mind giving away other people’s money..Just sayin”
http://www.facebook.com/alyceornella Alyce Ornella

Good.
Anonymous

Perhaps some of these Republicans should have read the constituton before making promises of welfare reform while running for office.
Anonymous

There are NO constitutional issues here. NOwhere in the constitution are freeloaders allowed a free ride through life. Let’s make all welfare charity and then we’ll really see who cares. This entitlement mentality must end. To take others money and use it against their will is called ” government theft “.
Anonymous

This doesn’t surprise me in the least.
Tyke

And just who do you think populates the “committee”?

Legislators.

And they wasted their time.

Additionally they wasted time and taxpayer money paying staff to research , write and print these bills.
Tyke

You don’t. I just renewed my license and I did not need to show my birth certificate to do so.
Tyke

The supreme court disagrees with you.

Guess which one everyone believes:

1) some anonymous ranting winger, or

2) the highest court of the land?
Tyke

Another set of far rights talking points do not survive the light of careful inspection and being faced with the truth.
Anonymous

Okay, so it failed. Maybe we ought to le less generous…ie., only giving bennies for two years instead of five. It’d still save money.
Anonymous

Where in the constitution does it say that my tax dollars have to support those who are too lazy to support themselves? I work 3 jobs to pay my bills, when I get overtime most of it gets taken for taxes…..
Anonymous

I choose # 1, and while we’re at it share with me the supreme court decision pertaining to freeloaders, because it for sure isn’t in the constitution or do you have a constitutional reference for welfare.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_XYD4MZNHJVHS6VN5XSM63QC3CM Bonny

The welfare state of Maine has grown big and powerful over the years. Half of the state has adopted government assistance as a way of life. It will take years and a lot of commitment to get Maine back to work again. Keep at it folks, it is the only hope to get the state on its feet again.
Anonymous

In response to Tyke. My husband just went to Caribou to get his license renewed. He had his social security card, our light bills, Maine picture license, etc. They issued a 60 day temporary and he had to go back within that time and bring his original birth certificate. Wondering
where you went to get yours?
Tyke

I don’t give out information that identifies me in any way in these comments, so I will not ID where I got my license renewed except to say it was in person at one of the larger BMV offices.

I showed my fishing license and was told that was all that was necessary because their computer said I had shown a copy of my birth certificate many decades ago when I got my driver’s license.
Tyke

The truth is that over 85% of recipients only get TANF for over 2 years and most of the folks getting it for more than 2 years are elderly grandparents taking care of grandchildren or disabled.
Tyke

If most of your overtime pay goes to taxes, then you do not work in Maine because that does not happen here.
Anonymous

As long as we have Liberals we will have to support them!!
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GTKGMUHLI6XEPPSCZHIQ7HODWE Duckman

and sometimes the truth sucks…
http://www.facebook.com/alyceornella Alyce Ornella

I take it you live completely off the grid, don’t use paved roads, don’t rely on town services, nor send your kids to public school?
Anonymous

Why the burdesome paperwork hurdles to renew a drivers license?,
that scorn should be directed towards the Real ID Act.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Regina-Hosebeast/100002095287763 Regina Hosebeast

It’s pretty sad when Augusta spends more time debating the rights of transient welfare recipients’ rights than solving many of Maine’s native population’s hardship of living in poverty every day. Auburn is eager to give kindergartener’s iPad2′s for $600/each while Piscataquis County’s backpack program sends kids home with food so they can eat on the weekend. How messed up is that?

I work full time, pay taxes in Maine and have gone deeply into debt this past winter trying to pay my oil bills and will likely lose my house. I don’t ever see any help coming my way, yet Augusta seems to be determined to make sure anyone can cross the State border and get hooked up with public assistance, free cable, MaineCare and a place to live. Don’t forget their ‘right’ to have pets too.

Blame the economy if you so chose. I blame our incompetent State Government.
Anonymous

viper13,

I agree with you! And then Rep. Leslie Fossel who has administered general assistance programs said in his experience many people seek help only as a last resort when their electricity has been turned off or they are running short on food.

Huh?! Where is “their” electricity going to if not to an address % of their name? And if “their” electricity is shut off , doesn’t that mean they’ve use it at least for 30 days = 30 days residing at an address? And how does a real electric bill that verify 30 days of use ‘somewhere’ a backdoor attempt at residency requirement and how does it penalize Maine residents???

If someone come to general assistance with no residency valuation doesn’t that make them “homeless”…if they’re homeless why aren’t they identified for MaineHouse (financed w/bond money in getting federal $ – not general assistance) for “emergency shelter”/ = residency valuation?

OMO, how many reps does it take to change a light bulb????
Anonymous

When in times of trouble, I blame all of my problems on people who are even worse off than I, and try to punish them for it. Because that’s what Jesus Himself recommended.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_WUXQMOMFW26EODLA7I3WZLSNPM Jeff C

I have never had to show my birth certificate to renew my license. He is blowing smoke. To register a car you dont need it either. Some people are always going to side with the side that wants to take everything against those that dont have the ability to make it on thier own. I call it a complete lack of caring for thier fellow human being.
Anonymous

You gave 600 monkeys keyboards and all they could come up with was this? Ignorance is not a character asset Timmy.
Anonymous

LOL, They obviously spent very little time researching the legality of these Bills. If they had, they wouldn’t have proposed them in the first place. We certainly do not elect the smartest legislators do we?
Anonymous

No income tax in Florida, so move.
Anonymous

Check out FDR’s 2nd Bill of Rights. Remember him? Without him there would be no Social Security, which I’m sure, despite your infantile rants, you will take advantage of when the time comes. So I guess that makes you a Socialist?
Anonymous

Things you will need to renew your driver’s license:
Document(s) showing proof of your physical address in Maine;
Document(s) proving you are a US Citizen or are in the country legally (Legal Presence);
You may be required to have an eye test;
If your social security number is not on file with the Secretary of State, you must provide your social security number. If you believe you do not qualify for a social security number, you must present an unexpired immigration document, such as an I-94, or a written statement from the Social Security Administration to help us determine your ineligibility.
You can renew your driver’s license by going to any of the motor vehicle branch offices or mobile unit sites.

Acceptable forms of payment for fees are: Cash, Check, Money Order, Visa or MasterCard.

For more information, please refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ’s).

Social Security Number Disclosure Statement

According to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, Section 7(b). Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory and is required by 29-A MRSA § 1301(6) to apply for or renew a driver’s license or non-driver identification card. Your social security number will be used solely for identification purposes and will be kept confidential.

Organ and Tissue Donation

You may agree to organ and tissue donation at the time of your renewal. Your wish to be an organ and tissue donor will then be clearly marked on the front of your license with a small red heart. For more information on organ and tissue donation, please visit our website or you may call the Maine Transplant Program (207)-871-2000, the National Kidney Foundation of Maine (207) 772-7270, or the New England Organ Donor Bank 1-800-446-6362. It is important to talk with your family about your wishes.

Voter Registration

You may register to vote at the time of renewal at any branch office or mobile unit location

Source: http://www.maine.gov/bmv/sos/licenses/renewal.html
Anonymous

“Things you will need to renew your driver’s license:
Document(s) showing proof of your physical address in Maine;
Document(s) proving you are a US Citizen or are in the country legally (Legal Presence);

You certainly need proof of citizenship, and a valid birth certificate would do that.
Anonymous

Relax, you’re safe…for now.
Anonymous

I have no problem helping those who don’t have the ability to help themselves. It’s the ones who are able but are to lazy to help themselves that I want to kick to the curb. None of these bills mention disabled people.
Anonymous

Why does my S.S.I. card say to be used for S,S,I. only, not in those exact words but darn close?
Olde Hippie

Is this a trick question?
Anonymous

I believe she meant it would be penalizing the NEW Maine residents of less than 30 days…….as it stands now it only penalizes the Maine residents that currently pay taxes and she is fine with that. I hope this clears it up for ya,lol. Hopefully the Republican voters in her district that thought she represented them are still paying attention.
Olde Hippie

I had to show my birth certificate when I renewed my license a couple of years ago. It was my understanding that this was required so that Maine could comply with the federal Real ID requirements which were mandated under a Republican administration. I also understood the birth certificate would only be required once and that future renewals will be straightforward as in the past.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_OPAW6MFKY2SIYUQYNRYFVIR3V4 Retiree

I say kick all those not wanting to change welfare programs be removed from State Government as they turn down bills brought before them as thats where all their votes for office are. Proven fact the welfare people vote these people in and that is a total shame. Shame on our State shame on our fed. government and shame on the low life’s that live on the Tax Payers of this State. Can us Tax payers stop paying taxes? Oh there is a law against that!
Anonymous

Stay at it Governor, you of all people knew it wasn’t going to be easy but it has been three generations getting here and it will be a long time getting back to where we should be. It will happen so hang in there and approach it from another angle, it’s how government works and you still have many,many people backing you and want the change that you campaigned on. Keep up the good work and those that have lost their spine will be replaced next time around.
Anonymous

Our legislators are showing the kind of common sense that apparently our governor does not have. We do have a moral obligation to work for the common good and to give a leg up to the less fortunate. It is the foundation of our democracy and the foundation of strong moral character. I am liberal and define my liberalism in those terms. Anybody care to join?
Anonymous

Just put up a new sign for every port of entry into Maine that you can have free money, food, and healthcare because the residents of this state have no say in where their tax dollar go. The money they get indirectly comes from our pockets via the taxes we pay – so why in the hell would I want to work two jobs, not collect anything from the state, only give the $ through the taxes that are collected – to someone who decided to move here because they get everything free? When will the people who pay taxes get a say so? I certainly don’t mind giving a hand up to someone in need, but I sure don’t care to give it to someone who moved here specifically because the reins are so loose they know to expect it!
yowsayowsa1

You said “legislature” not legislators.
It didn’t come before the legislature.
Jus sayin.
Anonymous

“proven fact”????? How do you know how people vote? In my experience those receiving welfare do not vote.
Anonymous

Nope. I am not going to work two jobs and enjoy handing my hard earned money over to someone who shows up in Maine because they can get my money easily.
Anonymous

I heard a recent estimate that it takes about 10,000$ to bring a bill forward so multiply that times the number of frivolous, poorly thought out bills you’ve read about and you will have your answer.
Anonymous

Are you suggesting that people inform themselves before they go shooting their mouths off? What a refreshingly novel idea!
Anonymous

You can thank the Real ID Act for the birth certificate requirement!

It seems as though the Federal Government wanted ID ‘s of all Americans!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REAL_ID_Act
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SHNOU64ZBOBIKWUF5IM6WSH7WA entitled4life

How reforming welfare can be declared unconstitutional is amazing. It shows how much damage liberal rule has created and how much work there is to be done to reclaim this State and this country from freeloaders and activists.
Anonymous

Get Over It!
Anonymous

There’s going to be no social security in about 10 years anyway because a majority of the people on it came on to early. When I retire I am not counting on the government to take care of me, seeing how inept they are now most people should try to plan for something if there able
Anonymous

How do you explain this next generation of our young people coming up who are disabled for drug addiction or are in pain. Most of these people have children and will not ever come of the system, I have seen too much of this as a police officer or just as a normal taxpayer going to the doctors office watching the same people come in. If you think labeling this as an elderly or disabled issue you are out of touch.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_YE3XFN7AV6MWMPAVMVPYVSEQEY sweetie

They may not vote, but many sure have the time to attend protests during the day anytime anyone even thinks about welfare reform.
Anonymous

He is not blowing smoke.. The fact is you need a birth certificate to obtain a drivers licence, If you did not have to provide yours then you got a state employee that did not do their job. Can you tell us where you renewed?
Anonymous

And there goes the biggest of LePage’s campaign promises. Over and over he used that cloud of myth hovering over the state, the lies about the hordes of people, bus loads of immigrants and people from away flooding our borders for welfare. Well, since the election we learned that its all a lie, that more welfare recipients have left the state than arrived. And what a shock, the things LePage himself has proposed, would be a constitutional violation, wouldn’t it have been governor like for him to study the possibility before proposing it? No, he just used the unsubstantiated fears of Mainers, fears that someone out there that’s not from here is trying to take something away from us, along with big business money to take the election. He doesn’t have the experience, he doesn’t have the temperment and he doesn’t have the smarts to be our governor. Because of our ignorance, and our reliance on TV sound bites for information, we elected a bufoon.
Anonymous

None. They can’t change anything. Apparently ;-)
Anonymous

Inept? Do you have roads to drive on? Planes to fly on? How do you get your mail?
Anonymous

No they have not, People use welfare for good reason, some abuse it but I guarantee that most use it just to get by while they try and find work. Your republican friends campaign on creating Jobs, how many job bills have been brought up? how many good paying jobs have they brought in?
Anonymous

Nope its all on LePage now, You can’t blame what happened in the pass for him not getting things done now.
Anonymous

Yup cause that is were are your taxes go. Welfare, You have roads to drive on? During the winter are the roads cleaned off?
http://twitter.com/TheHumbleFarmer Robert Karl Skoglund

Aren’t you amazed that this type of petty squabbling warrants space in a newspaper when we read that as far back as four years ago the war was already costing us $730 million a day?

Although you won’t read about it in the newspapers or hear it discussed to talk radio, we understand that the money spent on the war in one day could buy homes for almost 6,500 families — or health care for 423,529 children, — or could outfit 1.27 million homes with renewable electricity.

And that’s not the expenses for a month or a week. For years and years that’s what we’ve been spending on the war every day.

On top of that, we also read that US military operations in Libya could wipe out a significant chunk of the budget cuts won by congressional Republicans in recent weeks. GOP leaders have boasted of their spending reductions that amount to more than $285 million per day since the beginning of March.

But defense analysts say the Pentagon could be costing US taxpayers more than $100 million per day in Libya.

Can you think of a better use for your money?

Kurt Vonnegut once remarked that the Viet Nam war was about nothing but the ammunition business. Since then, has anything changed?

Only someone who is oblivious to this wholesale rape of the US economy could get all hot and bothered when a few needy people apply for food stamps.

The humble Farmer
newportres

The bills don’t really matter.
At some point these hand outs are going to stop anyway. More and more of us are refusing to support those who will not support themselves any more.
Anonymous

Yeah, inept. I have cow paths to drive on (read “roads” ridden with potholes and washed out edges) and planes to fly on (but not before I’m either irradiated or frisked [everywhere] and left on the tarmac for hours to pray that the tower controllers aren’t snoring at their consoles).
Anonymous

Have you read the Constitution? There is no provision in the U.S. Constitution which guarantees the right to receive endless welfare benefits. Furthermore, the idea that people shouldn’t be required to provide proof of citizenship is a perversion of the Constitution, at the hands of an activist Supreme Court. This same entitlement mentality has pervaded the issue of illegal immigration. What people don’t seem to get is that illegal immigrants should have no rights under our Constitution because they are not U.S. citizens.
Anonymous

Well I’m looking at the Driver License Renewal Notification and it says …….. U.S. Citizens: Please bring your certified birth certificate or passport ……………….. Additionally, proof of Maine residence is required for “ALL” renewals: a lease, deed, or utility bill ……………..
Anonymous

You would do well to take some of your own advice. I have informed myself. The liberal left has a nasty habit of bantering about the term “unconstitutional” any time welfare reform is taken up. The Constituion has suffered at the hands of activist judges appointed to our courts by both Republicans and Democrats. There are a number of good books about this, including The Five Thousand Year Leap by W. Leon Skowsen and Original Intent by David Barton.
Anonymous

“When the people find that they can vote themselves money,
that will herald the end of the republic.”

- Benjamin Franklin
Karen

Well, sorry to say this but my husband just went to his renewed, and only had a copy of his birth cert. They would not renew his licence because they told him that he need the original one.. SO Tyke- I don’t know how you got away with not having to show yours, when he still needs to Bar Harbor to get a copy of his original that costs 10 bucks, not counting the gas money to get there.
525_44

I’ve renewed my license many times. I don’t need a birth certificate to do that.
Many places allow re newing a license on line, no one has to send a scan of their Bc to re new it.

I needed it when I received my first license and that was it.
Anonymous

“The problem with the 30-day waiting period is the people who need help the most are the people you’re going to hurt the most,” Fossel said. Fossel is a Republican, and I am certain has no fondness for “freeloaders,” but DOES care about people in need.

It would not be wise to harm all desperate people just to prevent a few “freeloaders” from getting help.
Anonymous

I sympathize with your situation. Anyone posting here, including me, could face financial catastrophe in these difficult times.

But think of this: if you decided to move to another state for a better job, but the job fell through and you couldn’t afford to return to Maine, you might need to apply for benefits in that state. A 30-day waiting period there would assume you were a deadbeat & freeloader, but you are not.

Same thing if you lost your house (which I deeply hope will not happen) and moved to another state to live with extended family. You might need assistance so you could get on your feet and start anew… if you have kids, you might not be able to afford enough nutritious food for them, so a school providing food to tide them over the weekend would be wonderful.

I believe that the Republican leadership argues against the social safety net in an effort to gain votes and reduce the (slim) chance of taxes being raised on millionaires. They try to convince us that only nasty, undeserving people apply for benefits. But that is a lie.
Anonymous

I sympathize with your situation. Anyone posting here, including me, could face financial catastrophe in these difficult times.

But think of this: if you decided to move to another state for a better job, but the job fell through and you couldn’t afford to return to Maine, you might need to apply for benefits in that state. A 30-day waiting period there would assume you were a deadbeat & freeloader, but you are not.

Same thing if you lost your house (which I deeply hope will not happen) and moved to another state to live with extended family. You might need assistance so you could get on your feet and start anew… if you have kids, you might not be able to afford enough nutritious food for them, so a school providing food to tide them over the weekend would be wonderful.

I believe that the Republican leadership argues against the social safety net in an effort to gain votes and reduce the (slim) chance of taxes being raised on millionaires. They try to convince us that only nasty, undeserving people apply for benefits. But that is a lie.
http://twitter.com/TheGuardianMH The Guardian

The birth certificate for the license is to show proof that you are a U.S. Citizen.

This was talking about people moving from state to state. They have to show birth certificates too when applying for state aid. This bill would have made a mess if it was passed. You can’t limit people moving in and out of a state. Some people move home with families when they’ve lost their jobs. It would punish the homeless families.

I would be more worried about getting control over the sick child molesters, violent abusers, and drug traffickers in this state (that ALREADY live here).
http://twitter.com/TheGuardianMH The Guardian

The birth certificate for the license is to show proof that you are a U.S. Citizen.

This was talking about people moving from state to state. They have to show birth certificates too when applying for state aid. This bill would have made a mess if it was passed. You can’t limit people moving in and out of a state. Some people move home with families when they’ve lost their jobs. It would punish the homeless families.

I would be more worried about getting control over the sick child molesters, violent abusers, and drug traffickers in this state (that ALREADY live here).
http://twitter.com/TheGuardianMH The Guardian

The birth certificate for the license is to show proof that you are a U.S. Citizen.

This was talking about people moving from state to state. They have to show birth certificates too when applying for state aid. This bill would have made a mess if it was passed. You can’t limit people moving in and out of a state. Some people move home with families when they’ve lost their jobs. It would punish the homeless families.

I would be more worried about getting control over the sick child molesters, violent abusers, and drug traffickers in this state (that ALREADY live here).
Anonymous

I feel extremely confident in stating that I’m sure more of my money’s going to welfare than to the roads, judging by the amount of money spent on them and their complete disrepair. Welfare reform iIS a necessity, multi generational abuse must stop, it was intended to be a “crutch” to get you by, not a way to carry you through life. I wish people would understand that the people being hurt right now the most are the elderly, not able bodied 20-30 year old with the devastating disability of bipolar disorder
Anonymous

I feel extremely confident in stating that I’m sure more of my money’s going to welfare than to the roads, judging by the amount of money spent on them and their complete disrepair. Welfare reform iIS a necessity, multi generational abuse must stop, it was intended to be a “crutch” to get you by, not a way to carry you through life. I wish people would understand that the people being hurt right now the most are the elderly, not able bodied 20-30 year old with the devastating disability of bipolar disorder
Anonymous

I feel extremely confident in stating that I’m sure more of my money’s going to welfare than to the roads, judging by the amount of money spent on them and their complete disrepair. Welfare reform iIS a necessity, multi generational abuse must stop, it was intended to be a “crutch” to get you by, not a way to carry you through life. I wish people would understand that the people being hurt right now the most are the elderly, not able bodied 20-30 year old with the devastating disability of bipolar disorder
525_44

I have never had to provide a birth certificate except for my first license. I have renewed it countless times since.

The birth certificate is obviously the best way to prove who you are and where you were born in the case of citizenship.
525_44

I have never had to provide a birth certificate except for my first license. I have renewed it countless times since.

The birth certificate is obviously the best way to prove who you are and where you were born in the case of citizenship.
525_44

I have never had to provide a birth certificate except for my first license. I have renewed it countless times since.

The birth certificate is obviously the best way to prove who you are and where you were born in the case of citizenship.
525_44

It’s still an acceptable form of ID since you need a birth certificate to get a Social Security card in the first place.

Personally I have no idea where my card is. I haven’t seen it in years.
http://twitter.com/TheGuardianMH The Guardian

Yup – some trying to keep the poor out of Maine — hate to tell you this — but they’re already here and you better get some jobs to help them. Unless you want this state to ONLY be the Vacationland where people don’t actually live.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

That was all it was…purely for appearance and to satisfy their supporters and their “Masters”. I’m sure there will be several more similar bills to follow. What they are trying to do is threaten the non Tea Party elected Republicans(mostly moderates) and get them to go on record… ostensibly to be used against them in future elections. Some of the proposed bills being brought forth are thinly veiled Tea Party propaganda ploys… in my humble opinion. Didn’t someone say “Eternal Vigilance Is The Price Of Freedom” or something like that??
Anonymous

That I completely agree with you about. The only thing that I just don’t like is people making people on welfare to be villains. Most of them are hard workers that are down on there luck and need some help. I knew someone that got laid off and went on unemployment for 4 months, he traveled up and down the state looking for work. Eventually he had to move out of state to find it. He wouldn’t have gotten by with out a little help. But you are absolutely right about reform, I just don’t making everyone on welfare to be a giant sloth that doesn’t do anything is the right thing to do.
Anonymous

That I completely agree with you about. The only thing that I just don’t like is people making people on welfare to be villains. Most of them are hard workers that are down on there luck and need some help. I knew someone that got laid off and went on unemployment for 4 months, he traveled up and down the state looking for work. Eventually he had to move out of state to find it. He wouldn’t have gotten by with out a little help. But you are absolutely right about reform, I just don’t making everyone on welfare to be a giant sloth that doesn’t do anything is the right thing to do.
Anonymous

DRIVER LICENSE RENEWAL
NOTIFICATION
Our records indicate it is time to renew your driver’s license.
u.s. Citizens: Please bring your certified birth certificate or passport.
Non-Citizens: Please bring your current/pertinent immigration documents.
Additionally, proof of Maine residence is required for all renewals: a lease, deed,
or utility bill are examples of satisfactory residency documents.
For information regarding license renewals and vision screenings, please call
(207) 624-9000 ext, 52114 or visit: http://www.maine.gov/soslbmv/licenses/renewal.html
You may be eligible to renew your driver’s license online at:
http://www.maine.gov/onlinelbmv/dlr/
For a complete list of Branch Office and Mobile Unit locations
go to: http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/locations/index.html
—-~———-_._-
Branch Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00 am-4:30 pm
Closed all state
holidays
Anonymous

BS…
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RMC67VVOVPDWXR4CRMPFHKUYBM me

It 9s totaly AMAZING alarming the minds set towards programs to help the poor ,ever done research how much of your tax dollors truly goes towards it if not you should, keep in mind every worker is but one pay check away from homeless ,yes some may abuse agree what about the majority in need the families who lose their jobs unable to provide due to illness , their children still need to eat they payed taxes also ,when did it become a crime in america to be poor less fortunate ,the problem is not welfare the problem is the mind sets lack of information no one gets rich on welfare why it is called welfare,to help you survive trough crisis hard times ,we send trillions, billions to other countries in needs so they say no one is against it unless it is for our own then we critize ,hmm dont; forget proverty does not discriminate, you may thank such programs one day where yoru tax dollors were used even for you your family it is all tax payers moneys not just yours ,so much waste least this is for good cause that less fortunate in time of needs can survive !
Children need food to eat when hungry not excuses God bless
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RMC67VVOVPDWXR4CRMPFHKUYBM me

It 9s totaly AMAZING alarming the minds set towards programs to help the poor ,ever done research how much of your tax dollors truly goes towards it if not you should, keep in mind every worker is but one pay check away from homeless ,yes some may abuse agree what about the majority in need the families who lose their jobs unable to provide due to illness , their children still need to eat they payed taxes also ,when did it become a crime in america to be poor less fortunate ,the problem is not welfare the problem is the mind sets lack of information no one gets rich on welfare why it is called welfare,to help you survive trough crisis hard times ,we send trillions, billions to other countries in needs so they say no one is against it unless it is for our own then we critize ,hmm dont; forget proverty does not discriminate, you may thank such programs one day where yoru tax dollors were used even for you your family it is all tax payers moneys not just yours ,so much waste least this is for good cause that less fortunate in time of needs can survive !
Children need food to eat when hungry not excuses God bless
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RMC67VVOVPDWXR4CRMPFHKUYBM me

It 9s totaly AMAZING alarming the minds set towards programs to help the poor ,ever done research how much of your tax dollors truly goes towards it if not you should, keep in mind every worker is but one pay check away from homeless ,yes some may abuse agree what about the majority in need the families who lose their jobs unable to provide due to illness , their children still need to eat they payed taxes also ,when did it become a crime in america to be poor less fortunate ,the problem is not welfare the problem is the mind sets lack of information no one gets rich on welfare why it is called welfare,to help you survive trough crisis hard times ,we send trillions, billions to other countries in needs so they say no one is against it unless it is for our own then we critize ,hmm dont; forget proverty does not discriminate, you may thank such programs one day where yoru tax dollors were used even for you your family it is all tax payers moneys not just yours ,so much waste least this is for good cause that less fortunate in time of needs can survive !
Children need food to eat when hungry not excuses God bless
Anonymous

I don’t believe I mentioned anything about the constitution, just that people should inform themselves on issues before they go around broadcasting an agenda.
Anonymous

That isn’t what was being bandied about as “proven fact” and it would make sense that people who are without jobs would have more time available during the day. Have you been to these protests? Most of the folks I see there are advocates for the poor and disabled….not so much the consumers of benefits themselves.
Anonymous

It is easier for them to find scapegoats to take out all their frustrations, inadequacies and resentments on.
Anonymous

Once again, very well-stated. I agree with your thoughts here.
Anonymous

Yes, but you are an intelligent person.
Anonymous

I vote #2….resoundingly!!
Anonymous

Amen Jeff C.
Anonymous

Not talking about taxes, taxes have to be paid, sometimes they arent spent where they should be sometimes. I’m talking about people that move to Maine for quick and easy welfare. Some people don’t care about it, but then again they aren’t paying any taxes either…
http://www.facebook.com/alyceornella Alyce Ornella

Stevey_Dee, that myth about people moving to Maine for easy welfare has been disproven time and again. But if you must have a scapegoat for your woes, I suppose the facts don’t matter.
Anonymous

No scapegoat, the system is broke, bottom line..Not saying everyone moves to Maine for welfare…We can go back n forth all night on this. You can twist it anyway you want. But most people will agree the welfare needs to be looked at. Especially the ones that actually pay taxes..
Anonymous

Why dont these people who work for the Welfare Dept. get the heck off of their Keesters and do some “real work” like investigating the thousands that are committing fraud every month for years? I know a couple that has been turned in at least 8 times in the past 6 years and there has yet to be 1 single person from that gaency investigating…they still remain working under the table at $25.00 and $18.00 an hour, shge colllects the check and the foodstamps and he pretends to be bipolar and has never paid 1 cent of taxes in this state his entire 37 years of life nd yet collects a disability check…this state becomes more and more pathetic every week..
Tyke

No. 100% true.

What’s YOUR problem.

I was told that once someone has shown his or her birth certificate and that fact is recorded on their file they do not need to show it again to get a license renewal. All I needed to show was proof of residency and my resident fishing license was all they needed. Obviously I did have my old license as a photo ID too.
Anonymous

Hi LizDavies

Your comment is the best information given to this entire story and told with a mother’s heart. Thank you for saying what is important..

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