LePage welfare reforms drive controversy in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine – Republican Gov. Paul LePage's push for welfare reform continues to generate controversy in the Pine Tree State.   Supporters say the governor's no-holds-barred approach is winning, as evidenced by a 22 percent drop in food-stamp recipients in Maine since 2012, according to state data.  But it may be costing him public support: Although he was re-elected last year, Lepage's job approval rating has fallen to 39 percent, according to a Morning Consult poll of 654 voters from May t

AUGUSTA, Maine – Republican Gov. Paul LePage's push for welfare reform continues to generate controversy in the Pine Tree State.   Supporters say the governor's no-holds-barred approach is winning, as evidenced by a 22 percent drop in food-stamp recipients in Maine since 2012, according to state data.  But it may be costing him public support: Although he was re-elected last year, Lepage's job approval rating has fallen to 39 percent, according to a Morning Consult poll of 654 voters from May t…