In response to MPBP’s petition with more than 480 signatures, DHHS was required to hold a public hearing on the draft rules for ASPIRE Rule #25P – Working Cars for Working Families, which occurred on August 10. They also extended the public comment period.

You can also submit written comments on the program through 5 p.m. on August 20, 2020, to: Julian Baer, Julian.Baer@Maine.gov, Senior Program Manager – TANF/ASPIRE, Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence.

MPBP believes that the Mills Administration should not be rolling out this new, massive, poorly developed, complex welfare program during the middle of a global pandemic and a state budget crisis. 

Helpful links:

• Read the welfare program’s proposed rules; click “ASPIRE Rule #25P – Working Cars for Working Families.” There is also a link on this page for submitting comments through an online form.
• Read MPBP’s public comments on the rules, detailing a long list of problems with the program as proposed.
• Download a copy of the Department of Health and Human Services’ RFP (202006105) that was posted on July 22, 2020 by the state’s Division of Procurement Services.
• Read and share our original Facebook post on the draft rules and our recent Facebook post revealing the shocking details provided in the RFP.
• Listen to our interview on The George Hale Ric Tyler Show on WVOM about this program.