AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine House has supported an effort to get permission from the federal government to ban the use of food stamps to buy junk food.
The Democratic-controlled House voted 73-70 in favor of an amended version of Republican Sen. Roger Katz's bill Monday.
It would direct Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to request a waiver to restrict the purchase of certain products, like soda, chips and candy. A provision added by Democrats also requires the department to help organizations create initiatives to improve the diets of people in the food stamp program.
The Senate approved a different version that would only direct the department to seek the waiver. Republicans in the House who opposed the bill said the other piece sought by Democrats is unnecessary.