Gov. Paul LePage backs Madawaska's plan to drug test welfare recipients

PORTLAND — Gov. Paul LePage is getting behind a Maine town's decision to consider new rules that would tie some welfare benefits to random drug testing.

Officials in Madawaska are vetting new rules that would apply to the state's General Assistance program, which is run by the state and provides money for things like food and housing. The rules, which would be the first of their kind in the state, will come up at the town's Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday.

LePage, a Republican, has been a vocal supporter of welfare reform as governor, including advocating for drug-screening assessments for certain recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program dollars. He called Madawaska's proposal "fiscally responsible" and a chance to promote healthy living.

"Ensuring our welfare programs are helping those who are truly needy and willing to work toward economic stability is important," LePage said.

Read more: http://www.sunjournal.com/news/0001/11/30/gov-paul-lepage-backs-madawaskas-plan-drug-test-welfare-recipients/1961376