Whereas, the 118th Legislature identified federal block grant funds available to serve Maine's low-income residents who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits in the instance of caseload increases or economic downturn; and

Whereas, the Department of Human Services has not needed to access those funds, but may do so in the future; and

Whereas, the amounts of funds made available for services to State's residents by the Federal Government sometimes are reduced with little notice if they are not spent within a short time; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Set aside funds. Resolved: That the funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant set aside by the 118th Legislature to provide a safety net for an unexpected number of low-income families in Maine who might become eligible for this benefit must be considered encumbered for the purposes for which the funds were allocated.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve clarifies the Legislature's intent to reserve some funding from the federal block grant for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.