By Andy O’Brien 

The Maine Legislature is considering a budget (LD 209) that would restrict housing assistance through the General Assistance program to a maximum of 3 months in 12 months, per household, for all qualified applicants. In addition, municipalities could not exceed the maximum levels of assistance for any of GA’s assistance categories for more than 30 days out of 12 months, on Thurs. January 23, municipal leaders and immigrant advocates testified against the bill.

Mark Dion, Mayor of Portland

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“[LD 209] may increase evictions of vulnerable tenants, many of whom have jobs, children in schools, and other community connections. Pushing those households – into homelessness would further burden the already under-resourced statewide emergency shelter and transitional housing networks.” Cutting off support for those relying on short term GA for rent … will push people into homelessness at a time when we continue to face housing shortages, escalating costs of rent, food and other necessities, and rising building costs.

Ellen McFarland, Deputy Director of ProsperityME

“The reduction in GA support will disproportionately affect children, who are among the most vulnerable in our society. Families will be forced into homelessness, and the consequences of living without stable housing can have lifelong impacts on children’s health, education, and well-being.”

“The proposed reduction in GA funding will leave these [asylum seekers], including children, with nowhere to turn once the 3-month limit is reached. They will have no choice but to rely on emergency shelters, which are not only overcrowded and often at capacity but also far more expensive than permanent housing options.”

Ruben Torres, and I serve as the Advocacy Manager for the Maine Immigrants’  Rights Coalition

“These changes would have devastating consequences for Maine’s most  vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers and families, while disrupting the systems designed to support them.”

“Asylum seekers come to Maine seeking safety, stability, and an opportunity to contribute to  our state. With proper support, they can—and do—enrich our communities… [LD 209] creates unnecessary barriers to stable housing, exacerbates homelessness, and undermines the  partnerships between municipalities, landlords, and community organizations that are essential for addressing these challenges.”