AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine's Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has endorsed a measure to ensure people seeking asylum in the state continue receiving municipal welfare benefits.
The House voted 81-63 in favor of the bill on Monday. It also approved an amendment that was introduced by Republican Sen. Amy Volk and passed by the Senate last week that would limit general assistance benefits for asylum seekers to 24 months.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage's administration is no longer reimbursing cities and towns for general assistance provided to certain immigrants, including asylum seekers and people who came to the U.S. illegally.
Supporters would have to pick up twenty votes in the House to overturn an all-but-certain veto from LePage.
