AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Gov. Paul LePage's administration is advancing an effort to require welfare applicants and recipients who've been convicted of drug-related felonies to be tested for drugs.
The Republican governor said Wednesday that the state must ensure that taxpayer dollars don't enable the ``continuation of a drug addiction.'' LePage has made overhauling the state's welfare programs a priority of his administration.
His office said that applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits who've had a prior drug-related felony will receive a drug test. If the test is positive, they can receive a second test. They can also choose to enroll in a substance abuse program to avoid losing benefits.
The change requires the department to hold a public hearing as part of the state's rule-making process.