Maine may reverse LePage's ban on 'stepping stone' supports for immigrants

In 2011, the LePage administration changed Maine law to bar many immigrants from using basic anti-poverty supports, including accessing MaineCare, food assistance and help with basic needs for children.

Now, lawmakers in Augusta are considering changing the law back, rectifying what anti-poverty advocates have argued in court is a policy of discrimination.

“Maine first implemented these programs in 1996 in response to changes in federal law that cut off aid to immigrant families,” state Rep. Drew Gattine (D-Westbrook) told the legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on Friday. “In Maine, we took the opposite approach. We stepped up to the plate and filled the void left by the federal government. These programs were created and existed with broad bipartisan support. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the 2011 budget.”

Gattine has introduced legislation, LD 1317, which would restore access to the state programs mirroring the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for low-income immigrants who are lawfully present in the U.S. and for those who are pursuing lawful status.

Read more: https://mainebeacon.com/maine-may-reverse-lepages-ban-on-stepping-stone-supports-for-immigrants/