THE FINAL SAFETY NET

When the federal government cuts social welfare programs, it’s a safe bet that senators don’t get midnight phone calls from families in financial crisis. And when the state, because of reduced federal funding, cuts its programs aimed at helping the poor, the governor won’t be awakened by a knock on the door. But when a poor family’s cupboard is bare, their oil tank is empty, or they face eviction for not paying the rent, they go to their town or city hall for help.

As expected, with high heating fuel costs, the increasing cost of groceries and a weak economy meaning fewer earning opportunities, their last chance is getting stretched. The general assistance program, administered by municipalities, is that final safety net.

Cities and towns set a budget each year to handle requests. The state reimburses municipalities for between 50 percent and 90 percent of their outlays. Municipal officials rely on an ordinance to help them determine when and how much money they can give needy families.

The governor’s budget proposal, aimed at closing the $200 million revenue gap, includes a cut of $1.2 million from the $6.5 million that the Department of Health and Human Services budgets for municipal general assistance reimbursements. Barbara Van Burgel of DHHS said the governor’s plan calls for making those who are receiving help under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program ineligible for general assistance, which is expected to achieve the $1.2 million in savings.

Meanwhile, requests for general assistance are up. James Gillway, Searsport town manager, said the town used all of its budgeted $7,500 local share of the fund. The budget for the coming year increased the general assistance line to $10,000 in local funds. Mr. Gillway said many of the requests the town fielded over the last several months are related to heating costs, but there also have been food needs.

Though the general assistance ordinance includes strict guidelines, the town manager has some discretion to award benefits, such as in cases of domestic abuse. In Waldo County, the income eligibility requirement for a family of four is $1,000 or less in monthly income.

In Caribou, the city has increased its general assistance budget from $36,000 in 2007 to $40,716 in 2008 because of increased requests, Ellen Gendreau said. Though many requests have been related to fuel costs, she said 63 percent were for help with rent. The Aroostook County income guidelines make a family of four eligible if they earn less than $836 per month.

In Dover-Foxcroft, Elizabeth Thompson reported the town’s $40,800 general assistance line may be increased to reflect the higher dollar cost of benefits.

One silver lining to the planned state cuts is that regardless of what it budgets, DHHS is obligated to continue reimbursing municipalities for their outlays, even if they double next year, Ms. Van Burgel said.

In small towns, general assistance requests are heard by selectmen in closed session. The scene is played out weekly throughout the state, with someone pleading for help, recounting the specifics of their crisis. Though state government must make severe cuts, it is worth noting how far removed legislators and the governor are from this sad scene.