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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-28 11-095 RESOLVEItem No. 111 :95 Date: February 28, 2011 Item/Subject: Resolve, Supporting Universal Standards for the Administration of Municipal General Assistance Responsible Department: City Council/Health and Community Services Commentary: With the commencement of the 125x' Legislative Session, there have been a number of proposals advanced concerning funding for and the operation of the municipal general assistance program. This proposed Resolution would encourage the Legislature W retain current levels of funding and not to adopt additional General Assistance Legislation which would pass along additional administrative burdens and Programs costs to Bangor without Nrst taking steps to ensure that administration and oversight are adequate to ensure a more accountable system throughout the State. The Resolution is modeled after recent action taken by the Portland City Council on the same topic. This Resolution was reviewed and unanimously recommended for approval by the Government Operations Committee at its meeting on March 1, 2011. Department Head Manager's Comments: Cali) M. (MD� / City Manager Associated Information: Resolve Finance Director COSolidlor X Passage _ First Reading Page _ of _ _ Referral GAW-8 9 Assigned -to Councilor — Btmchette Narch 2, 2011 CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) Resolve, Supporting universal Standards for the Administration of Municipal General Assistance BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR: WHEREAS, State law requires all towns and municipalities to administer General Assistance, which provides immediate aid to individuals who meet eligibility requirements and are unable to provide basic necessities essential to maintain themselves or their family; and WHEREAS, As a result of the recent economic downturn and loss of employment opportunities, the qty's General Assistance Program has experienced a substantial increase in both the number of applications for assistance and the number of unduplicated individuals receiving assistance; and WHEREAS, The City is required by state law to provide General Assistance, but also has an obligation to Bangor taxpayers to be good stewards of public resources; and WHEREAS, The City has long been Seen as a leader in the development of universal standards for the administration of General Assistance designed to facilitate appropriate and timely eligibility determination; and WHEREAS, The General Assistance Program is the final safety net for Bangor's low-income and homeless population and is an integral part of the City's Department of Health & Community Services mission which is to enhance the health and well being of the residents of Bangor in collaboration with our community, state, and federal partners; and WHEREAS, The City of Bangor is committed to helping families and individuals attain financial security through employment, education and training, and housing stability, and General Assistance is an important tool available to the city in its efforts to assist those in need as they strive to become self reliant; and WHEREAS, There are several proposed bills before the 125" Maine Legislature that have the potential to barriers to the administration of General Assistance, the State's Safety Net Program, and add financial burden to Maine's service center communities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BANGOR CITY COUNCIL urges the 125"' State Legislature and the Governor to consider retaining current funding levels and Incorporating me following guiding principles, which the City of Bangor adheres to when administering General Assistance, when evaluating possible changes to me State's General Assistance law: • Minimum standards for the administration of General Assistance should promote uniformity, efficiency and transparency, and should be adopted prior to making major substantive changes to the state statue • General Assistance should be accessible to all residents who have no other options for providing basic necessities for themselves or their family • General Assistance decisions regarding eligibility should be based solely on need and, if eligible, assistance should be provided within twenty-four hours of the completion of an application • General Assistance should be available during non -business hours and an emergency phone number should be ported in a public area and made available to community providers • General Assistance eligibility determination decisions should be made based upon verification of all income and assets, including Department of Health and Human Services benefts, and other state and federal resources • Verification of available resources should be done through the use of electronic data exchange whenever possible • General Assistance should indude a Workfare provision for all able bodied individuals • General Assistance should encourage all recipients to pursue other Mainstream resources that may be available to them Including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Social Security, and Federal Food Stamps • General Assistance residency requirements should be based upon current law which states that the municipality of residence for an individual seeking General Assistance is responsible for accepting and reviewing the resident's application and, If eligible, granting assistance • General Assistance should promote accountability and focus on self sufficiency and self reliance by assisting applicants to access support services and employment programs. m = coogcn ae6iu 28. 2011 Motive Made sed Seconded for Passage Paaeed CI CUTLXJ c ,.n rti a universal sta rd Snr—the Adminiatratioe of mmici al Avlgsdlto Couvellor�tZ1 [!