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Gov. LePage's Welfare Bill Appears Doomed

AUGUSTA, Maine - Republican Gov. Paul LePage's latest effort to overhaul Maine's welfare programs appears to be headed for defeat.

LePage's bill, introduced by Republican Senate President Michael Thibodeau, was rejected by the Democratic-controlled House with a 76-68 vote late Monday. The Republican-led Senate had already approved the bill.

The disagreement between the two chambers means the bill will likely die.

LePage's bill would prohibit people from using electronic benefit transfer cards outside of Maine. It would also create a work search requirement for welfare recipients, among other things. A similar effort was defeated last session.

Thibodeau said he couldn't see why Democrats would reject the "common sense reforms.'' Democrats have said that the governor's proposals would hurt people who are struggling to get back on their feet.
 

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