government shutdown

As the end to the government shutdown seems near, Gov. Janet Mills directed Maine DHHS to start sending benefits to eligible households. Though advocates say the Trump Administration's handling of the crisis caused chaos.

King joined seven Democrats to give Republicans the 60 votes they needed to advance the bill. But most Democrats voted against the proposal because it does not guarantee Congress will extend the health care subsidies that have been at the center of the shutdown fight.

As the federal government shutdown drags on into a 36th day, the state announced it will use $2.2 million in carryover funds to provide heating assistance benefits to some 4,000 Maine households who signed up for HEAP benefits in August and September.

Meanwhile, Maine Sen. Susan Collins said she is negotiating with a bipartisan group on a potential compromise to end the government shutdown, although any deal would have to be endorsed by Democratic and Republican leaders.

As the government shutdown heads into November, some 170,000 people in Maine are bracing for the loss of monthly grocery money from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The state money, plus $250,000 from a foundation, aims to boost food pantries and other programs as 170,000 Maine residents face the loss of SNAP or food stamp benefits.

Federal food assistance for nearly 170,000 Mainers is likely to halt next week due to the government shutdown. Some local businesses are stepping in to provide free food and supplies to fill the gap.

Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has largely blamed Democrats for the shutdown. Democrats, meanwhile, accuse Republicans of refusing to negotiate on extending health care premium subsidies for millions of Americans.

State officials warn, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is expected to run out of regular funding in the coming weeks due to the federal government shutdown.

So far, air traffic controllers, TSA agents and other federal employees have been showing up to work in Portland, jetport officials said Thursday.