Bill > LD85

This bill revitalizes the Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Advisory Council by making several key changes to its structure and operation. The bill updates the council's official designation and expands its membership to include at least two TANF program recipients, a representative of employers, a labor representative, a women's interests representative, representatives from organizations focused on low-income women's training and job needs, a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act representative, and two postsecondary education representatives (one from private and one from public institutions). The bill removes the previous requirement for a detailed postsecondary education subcommittee and instead simplifies the council's advisory role. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision allowing members who do not attend two meetings within a 12-month period to be removed from the council. Importantly, the bill also establishes that council members who are not compensated by their employer or representing entity may receive legislative per diem compensation and be reimbursed for expenses such as meals, child care, and travel, which helps make council participation more accessible to a diverse range of members.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=85&snum=132