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Portland Taxes to Fund Aid for Would-be Asylum Seekers

PORTLAND, Maine - Portland officials say aid for immigrants in the city who don't qualify for General Assistance under new state rules will be entirely paid for with local tax dollars.
 
The Portland Press Herald reports that the city won't seek a state reimbursement for General Assistance spending on some would-be asylum seekers, including those who are working on an asylum application but haven't filed it.
 
General Assistance is a state-funded welfare program for people who need vouchers for food, shelter and other necessities.
 
City Councilor Belinda Ray says the city has funds set aside to address people the state has deemed ineligible.

The council on Monday will consider a proposal to change its General Assistance ordinance to align its eligibility requirements with new state rules finalized this year.