Commentary: Who deserves welfare? That’s the wrong question

Supreme Court allows Trump policy to deny green cards to immigrants who use public assistance

Lawsuits over the rule will continue, but immigrants applying for permanent residency must now show they wouldn't be public charges, or burdens to the country.

Money for all: Panel to explore idea of basic income payments for Mainers

A special legislative panel that's set to hold its first meeting Friday will consider the kind of system that other nations and states are trying to combat poverty.

Asylum seekers welcomed to Maine with a ‘beautiful and wonderful’ July Fourth picnic

Despite a political divide over immigration nationally, large numbers of volunteers donate food, services or time to welcome 150-plus recently arrived asylum seekers sheltering in Portland.

Maine House votes to relax welfare restrictions on asylum seekers

The bill, which has gained urgency following the surge of asylum seekers to Portland, provides no money but directs DHHS to offer non-citizens welfare 'within available resources.'

Mills administration ends ‘ineffective policy’ of putting photos on food stamp cards

The policy established under Gov. Paul LePage encouraged participants to have their photos on their benefit cards.

Bill to restore welfare benefits for non-citizens advances

Several measures pending in the Legislature would reverse policy decisions affecting welfare recipients made by the administration of former Gov. Paul LePage.

Lawmakers consider bills to reinstate asylum seekers’ access to welfare benefits

Welfare reforms pushed by former Gov. Paul LePage and the Republican-controlled Legislature eight years ago eliminated access to some assistance programs for non-citizens.

Opposition mounts to Trump plan to extend work requirement for SNAP benefits

Jared Golden said he might support the change, as long as it doesn't hurt children or seniors, while Maine's senators and Chellie Pingree oppose it.

Maine to triple benefits for some food assistance recipients

The monthly benefits for certain working families that also receive food assistance increase this month.