By Alanna Durkin, The Associated Press
AUGUSTA, Maine - A Republican state senator is renewing an effort to require that Medicaid and welfare applicants live in Maine for at least six months before receiving benefits, even though the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down similar restrictions in other states.
Sen. Eric Brakey says he believes Maine's welfare programs are too generous and attract people who've used up their benefits in other states. He acknowledges that his bill would likely face a court challenge if approved, but says it's a fight that the state needs to have.
Nearly 50 years ago, the Supreme Court struck down a one-year residency requirement imposed by Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia because it restricted the right to travel and discriminated against new residents.
A legislative committee will consider Brakey's bill Wednesday.
