AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Department of Health and Human Services' chief is urging the state's top attorney to allow the state to move forward with drug testing for some welfare recipients.
Commissioner Mary Mayhew's office says that it is still waiting for Attorney General Janet Mills to sign off on a rule that will require drug tests for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients with prior drug-felony convictions. The rule was sent to Mills for her approval in September.
A spokesman for Mills tells the Sun Journal that her office is working with DHHS to ensure that the rule can withstand a court challenge. The attorney general gets 150 days to complete its review.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage's administration says the effort will bring accountability to Maine's welfare system.