Improving State Government Procedures Affecting Low-Income Mainers
Justice Action Group Administrative Law Task Force - 030149
Abstract Number: 030149
September 2003
The Justice Action Group (JAG), Maine's access to justice entity, established an Administrative Law Task Force to improve state government procedures affecting low-income people in Maine. The Task Force is comprised of members of the private bar, representatives from state agencies, legal services providers and the Attorney General's office.
Instead of critiquing state government procedures, JAG surveyed state agencies and identified state agency "best practices". At JAG's Access to Justice Conference in November 2002, the Task Force presented awards to state offices for the best web site, most responsive telephone services, and most user-friendly application process.
The awards were made in the presence of Governor Baldacci. The Task Force also prepared a report that was presented to the Governor, describing the kinds of practices and procedures that government agencies should adopt, based on principles of responsiveness, openness, and fairness. In response to this report, the Governor's Council encouraged the Task Force to develop training materials for state agencies.
The Task Force is drafting training materials for the use by state managers in the following areas:
- Information about Agency Services or Benefits
- Applications for Agency Services or Benefits
- Notice of Agency Action
- Adjudication
- Final Decision
- Post-Decision Agency Action
The trainings will include a review of current laws and procedures and suggestions for best practices, including improved customer service. To learn more about this project, access the PDF documents below.
Contact Information:
Jennifer Lechner
Executive Coordinator
Justice Action Group
P.O. Box 434
Freeport, Maine 04032
Phone: (207) 865-1457
Fax: (207) 865-3302
JAG1@suscom-maine.net
Additional Information:
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