![Pingree in front of US Capitol building](/sites/default/files/styles/article_headlines/public/2023-05/CP_Portrait_202202.jpg?h=872fb55d&itok=6tP4Reqr)
Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, on Wednesday introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Bill that would boost funding for shelters and other services in Maine and across the country.
The bill is currently before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
Speaking to fellow subcommittee members, Pingree underscored the urgent need to help asylum seekers in Maine’s largest city and surrounding towns and the need to help nonprofit organizations coming to their aid.
“You may not realize this, but Portland, Maine, is actually a major destination for asylum seekers entering this country,” Pingree said. “And that’s been a great thing — Maine has an aging population and we need people to move to our state, and I’m proud to have these new neighbors who are so eager to contribute to their new home. Unfortunately, the situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic and housing shortages and more resources are needed to support a growing asylum seeker population and the neighbors who have welcomed them.”
She also noted that while lawmakers allocated $800 million in 2023, the current bill allocates zero.
Pingree’s amendment would transfer $200 million from border wall funding under U.S. Customs and Border Protection to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Shelter and Services Program.
The measure would also language directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide data to FEMA to help inform the agency’s decisions on where funding should be provided.
That data would include historical data and future projections of encounters of families and single adults by Ports of Entry and Border Patrol.
Additionally, the measure directs FEMA to ensure the Appropriations Committee receives data from SSP grantees on the use of funds.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments