Former Pa. welfare chief gets hired by Maine

Pennsylvania's controversial ex-welfare secretary has a new gig.

The State of Maine has hired Gary Alexander's consulting firm to study the state's Medicaid system and examine Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

The contract is worth nearly $1 million.

Alexander's stormy, two-year tenure in the Corbett administration was marked by deep cuts to social service programs serving the disabled, the elderly, women, and children. Alexander also opposed expansion of Medicaid.

His decision to consolidate with one Boston-based company payments to those who provide care for the disabled led to thousands of low-wage home health workers' failing to get their paychecks for months. That contract was faulted by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, who found the consolidation cost taxpayers millions.

He resigned in February to return to Rhode Island, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

In a news release announcing the contract, Maine's commissioner of health and human service said Alexander would be charged with examining that state's welfare-to-work programs to ensure that those who are "able and desire employment can work."

"We are excited about the opportunity to work with such a knowledgeable group of experts," Commissioner Mary Mayhew said.