ASPIRE-TANF Rule #29 - LD 1748

Date posted:

Attachment(s):

10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 607; ASPIRE-TANF Program Rules, All Sections

ASPIRE-TANF Rule #29P – LD 1748

PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: The proposed rule changes would update the ASPIRE-TANF Program rules to ensure services provided are trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically appropriate and consistent with a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. §§ 3762, 3788, and 3790 made by P.L. 2021, Chapter 648 Part 5. The Department held a listening session for current and former participants in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and community partners on September 21, 2023. Feedback from the listening session was incorporated in the development of the proposed rule changes.

Consistent with 22 M.R.S. § 3769-A, the Department proposes non-substantive changes throughout the manual for clarity and inclusivity. The proposed rule changes are intended to improve the readability of the manual, reduce stigma inducing language, and remove outdated terminology, references and/or procedures. Including “Centers for the treatment of substance use disorders” would replace “Substance Abuse Treatment Centers.” In the interest of inclusivity, the proposed rule changes would  convert gender specific terms to gender neutral terms. Further, throughout the manual, TANF has been removed from ASPIRE-TANF references and Administrative Hearings Unit has been updated to Division of Administrative Hearings. The proposed rule changes are intended to further align this rule with 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 331 to better meet the needs of ASPIRE Participants.

The proposed rule would add new definitions including: Acceptable Medical or Mental Health Source, Agent, Center for Workforce Research and Information (CWRI), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), Family Development Account (FDA), High-Value Credential, Industry-Recognized Certificate, Marketable Bachelor’s Degree, Minimum Wage, Resource Calculator, Restorative Approaches, Short-Term Occupational Training Program (“Training Program”), Specified Relative, Stackable Credential, Two-Generation Services, Unmet Need, Unsubsidized Employment, Wellness Plan and Wraparound Case Management.

To provide clarity, the following definitions are proposed as amended: ASPIRE-TANF Program, ASPIRE Unit, Child care affordable, Department of Health and Human Services, Education, Exempt from the Time Limit, Extension, Fair Hearing, Family Contract, Family Contract Amendment (FCA), Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Gainful Employment, Good Cause, Intentional Program Violation (IPV), Job Search, MaineServe, Matriculation, Office for Family Independence (OFI), Parents as Scholars (PaS), Sanctions, Step Disregard, Support Services, TANF Earnings Disregard Extension, TANF Recipient, and TANF Two Parent Family.

The following definitions would be removed: Child care, reasonable distance, Child care, unsuitability of informal care, Job Club, and Order of Reference.

In addition, any outdated terminology would be removed throughout the manual and where applicable updated terminology would be added.

Further, proposed changes include:

  • SECTION 2: AUTHORIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION would remove II. “Philosophy” and III. “Goals, and Objectives” as these are outlined throughout the manual.
  • SECTION 5: WORK EVALUATION PROCESS would be updated to provide clarity on the initial Assessment process.
  • SECTION 7: FAMILY CONTRACT AMENDMENT (FCA) would be updated to provide clarity on potential eligibility for support services and requests for a new FCA.
  • SECTION 13: EMPLOYMENT would remove IV. DISPLACED EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCES. Employees of businesses or organizations have their own dispute/grievance processes and outside the scope of the DHHS, Division of Administrative Hearings.
  • SECTION 14: SUPPORT SERVICE BENEFITS AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS would be updated consistent with other Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence employment and training programs.
  • SECTION 16: PARENTS AS SCHOLARS would clarify pre-matriculation services which may be available to PaS participants.
  • SECTION 17: TANF TIME LIMIT EXTENSIONS would be updated consistent with 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 331.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1), 3762(A-1) and 3769-A

PUBLIC HEARING: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in room Maine A/B at109 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04330. Please note, guest parking is available on the Capitol Street side of the building and where guests may enter the building.

The Department requests any interested party that requires special arrangements to attend the hearing, or requires special accommodations, such as interpreter services, contact the agency person listed above before Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, June 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Written public comments may be submitted via the link at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking

AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:

Dawn Croteau, ASPIRE Program Manager

Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Family Independence

109 Capitol Street

Augusta, ME 04333

Phone: (207) 624-6968/Fax: (207) 287-3455

TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711

Dawn.Croteau@Maine.gov

Office: Office for Family Independence

Public hearing: -

Comment deadline:

Send a comment