AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Maine Gov. Paul LePage's administration said more than 6,000 Maine residents are about to lose their food stamp benefits.
The Republican governor is enforcing a three-month limit on benefits for childless adults in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program unless they work at least 20 hours a week, volunteer or participate in a work-training program.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew said the decision to begin enforcing the limit in October means that about 6,500 Mainers will lose their benefits effective Jan. 1.
Mayhew said the state must create incentives for people to advantage of employment training and volunteer opportunities. But advocates said that the change will shift costs onto food pantries and that the administration is punishing people who can't find work.
