While some are calling it “welfare reform,” Rep. Kenneth Fredette’s proposal to tighten some state TANF rules seems more like a modest attempt to improve the program.

The Maine House Republican leader Wednesday introduced two bills that would, if approved in the next legislative session, make what Fredette calls “common-sense” changes that most taxpayers would applaud.

While we will reserve final judgment until hearings are held and more details become available, his ideas seem like reasonable responses to problems that have been identified by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

Fredette’s first bill requires able-bodied, work-ready adults to show evidence of having sought employment before seeking Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits.

Fredette argues this is required in 19 other states, from conservative Georgia to liberal Vermont.

Democrats immediately pointed out situations in which this might be impossible. For instance, a woman with children leaving an abusive household under duress shouldn’t be required to have sought employment before she can stabilize her life.

There will be other exceptions, and much will depend upon how the state defines “job ready.”

The current program already requires recipients to enter an education, training and work program called ASPIRE while receiving benefits.

Still, requiring a healthy person who seeks benefits to have also sought a job is reasonable.

Fredette’s second bill is an attempt to more evenly apply the discretion given to case workers to excuse participants from some work-related requirements.

He thinks the Legislature should anticipate and define the situations in which exceptions are granted.

His goal is good, but his method is likely unworkable.

The Legislature cannot anticipate every situation in which forcing a person into the labor market is unwise, unproductive or impossible.

A better plan might be a bit of training for case workers, and then requiring a supervisor’s approval for exceptions.

House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, described Fredette’s bill as an attempt to “villify” families that are “struggling to get on their feet again simply to score political points.”

But taxpayers clearly want more accountability in welfare programs. Fredette’s ideas seems more aimed at weeding out people who are looking for a hand-out rather than a hand up.

rrhoades@sunjournal.com

The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of the ownership and the editorial board.