Contact:
Krysta West
Communications Director
Senate Republican Office
(207) 287-1505
krysta.west@legislature.maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA – Senator Eric Brakey (R-Androscoggin) has been recognized by the Foundation for Government Accountability for his leadership and commitment to promote responsible welfare reforms with the Friends of Government Accountability Award.

“We appreciate Senator Brakey’s work to end government dependence and preserve valuable resources for those who truly need them,” said Tarren Bragdon, President & CEO of Foundation for Government Accountability. “We are proud to recognize him as a Friend of Government Accountability.”

Senator Brakey received this recognition for sponsoring LD 33, “An Act To Adjust the Lifetime Limit for the Receipt of TANF Benefits.” Had it passed, this bill would have reduced Temporary Need for Needy Families (TANF) time limits from five years to three.

“I am honored to be recognized for my work on an issue that I am so passionate about,” said Sen. Brakey. “When it comes to TANF time limits, Maine is far more generous than many of our New England Neighbors, and it isn’t doing anyone any favors.

“The TANF program is designed to be a temporary hand-up to those falling on hard times, not a long-term solution. For those able-bodied and capable of work, there is a fine line between helping and enabling. Long time limits on programs such as this can rob people of their ambition and their initiative, setting them back instead of moving them forward.”

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