AUGUSTA – Human rights groups, faith leaders and new Mainers will hold a press conference Friday, January 10 at 11:30 a.m. in Augusta to oppose a proposed Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) rule change that would deny assistance to hundreds of Maine’s immigrants.
Gov. LePage proposed the rule change, which would deny asylum seekers and other immigrants access to Maine's General Assistance (GA) program. For the thousands of immigrants who have come to Maine to escape persecution in their home countries, GA is the only financial lifeline available, say the groups.
The press conference preceeds a public hearing to consider the proposal on Friday at 1:00 at the DHHS office building, 19 Union Street, Augusta.
WHAT:
Press conference to oppose proposed GA cut to new Mainers
WHEN:
Friday, January 10
11:30 a.m.
WHERE:
State House Welcome Center
Augusta, Maine
WHO:
Speakers will include:
Alain Nahimana, Coordinator, Maine Immigrant Rights’ Coalition (emcee)
Maxwell Chikuta, Democratic Republic of Congo native and former GA recipient
Rev. Dr. William Barter, Executive Director of the Maine Council of Churches
Sue Roche, Executive Director, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
