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ACLU on Welfare & Poverty
American Civil Liberties Union
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Critical to let immigrants receive public assistance
Summary by Maine ACLU: This critical law allows some immigrants, including asylum seekers who are not allowed to work, to receive General Assistance for up to two years. This means hundreds of new Mainers will still be able to pay the rent
and buy food for their families, regardless of where they were born.Summary by Bangor Daily News: The proposal originally sought to eliminate General Assistance benefits for certain immigrants but was amended to allow the benefits to
continue for up to 24 months. General Assistance provides emergency aid for housing, medicine and other basic needs. "My bill was amended to do the exact opposite of what it originally was supposed to do," said Sen. Eric Brakey. "I've been vocally
opposed to it going into place."Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 29-5-1, Roll Call #305, on Jun/18/15; Passed House 81-63-7, Roll Call #334, on Jun/22/15; Enacted Jul/7/15 without signature from Gov. LePage
Source: ACLU review of Maine legislative voting records: LD 369
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Page last updated: Apr 29, 2021