AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a bill that would direct the administration to report on efforts to combat welfare fraud.
The bill introduced by Democratic Rep. Drew Gattine of Westbrook requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report annually to the Legislature on its efforts to investigate fraud in MaineCare and programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
In his veto letter, the Republican governor said the department would need additional resources, but that lawmakers stripped the funding from the proposal.
The Democratic-led Legislature rejected several of LePage’s proposals to overhaul the state’s welfare programs this session.
LePage also vetoed a bill authorizing some quasi-municipal entities to use video and audio to conduct meetings. A third vetoed measure makes changes to the state’s Freedom of Access Act.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
