PORTLAND — Operating details are unclear, but a new city fund will assist immigrant asylum seekers with basic housing, food and medical costs. The $2.63 million Community Support Fund was created June 24 when the City Council approved a $225 million municipal budget for fiscal year 2016. It will prevent an estimated 500 families with […]
general assistance
Posted inLetters
R. Clark: Gov. LePage doing it right
As a registered independent voter, I applaud Gov. Paul LePage’s efforts for trying to change the status quo with regard to welfare and General Assistance. Maine cannot be all things to everyone. If state government is to take care of anyone, the elderly and truly disabled should be the highest priorities. Maine citizens should not […]
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston-Auburn This Week
MONDAY, June 29 LEWISTON — Lewiston Planning Board regular meeting, 5:30 p.m. in the administrators conference room on the bottom floor of Lewiston City Hall. AUBURN — Ribbon-cutting ceremony for refurbished city softball field, 5:30 p.m. at 48 Pettengill Park Road, Auburn. TUESDAY, June 30 LEWISTON — Lewiston City Council special meeting, 6 p.m. in the City […]
Posted inLetters
R. Reed: Compromise offered
In response to a Sun Journal story (June 17) and the discussion by the Lewiston City Council regarding providing general assistance benefits for those who do not qualify for state reimbursement of same, thus leaving our city fully financially liable — perhaps there is a compromise. When people enter this country seeking asylum, they are […]
Posted inMaine
Maine Senate approves 9-month limit on General Assistance
AUGUSTA — A bill that limits city-run General Assistance welfare benefits to nine months for childless people who are capable of working cleared the Maine Senate on a bipartisan, 24-11 vote Thursday. The bill, LD 1035, sponsored by state Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, also gained the backing of Lewiston city officials. The measure allows a […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Auburn leans on financial trust for asylum-seeking families in need of General Assistance
AUBURN — The city will continue paying General Assistance benefits to a small group of asylum-seeking immigrant families, even though there are questions about whether or not that money will be repaid by the state. “We have a moral obligation, and then we have a financial obligation, and sometimes those don’t match,” Councilor Tizz Crowley […]
Posted inLetters
M. Ismail: Give people a chance to succeed
The governor’s proposed budget does not create pathways to opportunity for people in Maine. I am a single mom with three children. My youngest has Down Syndrome. I had to flee my country for fear of our safety. We belong to an ethnic group that is brutally discriminated against in my home country. The decision […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Consistent revenue, programs top Lewiston’s wish list for state legislators
LEWISTON — City officials may not be expecting anything special under the tree on Christmas, but they did unleash a big list of wishes for state legislators for the coming year. City Administrator Ed Barrett, city councilors and Lewiston school officials asked for everything from more municipal revenue to more authority to deal with truant […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
Verso mill manager to update Jay board on the mill, paper industry
JAY — The Androscoggin Mill manager will update selectpersons Monday night on the state of the mill, the paper industry and what is anticipated in the next five to 10 years, Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere said Friday. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Town Office. It will be a 15- to 20-minute […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Wing resigns Peru board
PERU — Selectmen on Monday evening accepted the resignation of board member Danny Wing, who cited health reasons for his decision. Selectmen will decide next week whether to hold a special election to fill the vacancy on the five-member board. Road Commissioner Joe Roach, who is also the E-911 addressing officer, requested that selectmen formally […]