Maine welfare cash has been used at two amusement parks in Saco, according to Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data obtained by The Maine Wire pursuant to a Freedom of Access Act request.
The DHHS data shows that money from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash welfare program has been accessed at Funtown Splashtown USA and Aquaboggan Water Park, both in Saco.
According to DHHS records, Maine taxpayers footed the bill from $880 worth of welfare cash transactions in 2011 at an address associated with Funtown Splashtown. The transactions occurred in June, July and August of that year.
Welfare cash recipients accessed an additional $260 at Aquaboggan.
As reported exclusively by The Maine Wire, cash welfare transactions under Maine’s TANF program have occurred in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Welfare transactions have also occurred at liquor stores, bars, tobacco shops and strip clubs.
[RELATED: Maine welfare cash spent at liquor stores, strip clubs and smoke shops…]
[RELATED: Maine EBT cards used in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands…]
Revelations regarding the extent of welfare abuse in the TANF program will likely contribute to upcoming policy debates, as Republican Gov. Paul R. LePage and legislative Republicans push for welfare reforms.
Republicans are pushing three welfare reform bills all directed at the TANF program.
Two of the bills were originally introduced by House Minority Leader Ken Fredette (R-Newport), but rejected during a legislative screening session by the Democrat-controlled Legislative Council.
[RELATED: Robinson talks welfare abuse with Howie Carr…]
One bill would enact a front-end work-search requirement for TANF applicants, meaning seekers of cash welfare would have to demonstrate that they have applied for at least three jobs before receiving benefits. The other would tighten up exceptions to training and education programs required for TANF recipients.
LePage’ has introduced both of these bills into the current legislative session despite Democratic objections.
[RELATED: Massive welfare data cache made public…]
[RELATED: Republican leaders react to Maine Wire report on welfare abuse…]
The governor has also introduced a third bill aimed at cracking down on the very TANF abuses The Maine Wire has exposed. This bill would place certain geographic restrictions of the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as well as prevent welfare cash from being spent on prohibited items, such as alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets.
Steve Robinson
Editor, Maine Wire
SERobinson@themainewire.com
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="8018 http://www.themainewire.com/?p=8018">4 Comments
Amazing look into the lives of poor people……249 EBT transactions at AFRICAN STYLE, a Portland clothing store; and tons of fast food store purchases where you can buy the world’s most expensive snacks…just think of the money misspent on junk food….WOW
Your point is that TANF families should be barred fro FunTown?
Is this an illegality, or do you simply object to poor families legitimately taking their kids out for a good time?
Where is the suspicious innuendo for the 7-11 on Saco Ave or any another retailer with over $500,000 in transactions?
Get the facts before you call in the executioner, please.
th e scam going on with these cards is outrageous, our taxpayer money…supposed to be for food and absolute necessities. Please further expose the abuse going on. Every Mainer needs to know. What about the money poured into other states from using the cards for frivolities?Is this not illegal?
jooouli