PORTLAND, Maine — City councilors here are wrestling with their options now that the LePage administration has said it will deny state reimbursement to cities and towns that provide general assistance to some undocumented immigrants, including asylum seekers.
The city has filed suit over the policy on the grounds that it was improperly adopted without legislative approval. But while that lawsuit and a counter suit from the state work their way through the courts, the city must figure out how to budget for the possible fallout of the case.
In a city workshop Monday night, councilors were advised that the state typically reimburses Portland $8.7 million for GA. And the city spends about $300,000 dollars per month in assistance and shelter to those the state considers "undocumented."
Councilors met in executive session to discuss their legal strategy and possible next steps. Afterward, councilors David Marshall and Jon Hinck spoke with reporters.
