LePage policy puts squeeze on cities, immigrants; he says plan will help 'most vulnerable'

The Republic ^ | ALANNA DURKIN

[ObamahatesPACoal]

Gov. Paul LePage understands hardship. He was homeless for a time as a boy.

But tell that to Douglas Mpay, an immigrant from Angola who is seeking asylum in the United States and whose family relies on a municipal welfare program in Maine that the governor says will get no state funding if cities and towns continue to assist residents living in the country illegally.

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But LePage, who has made reforming welfare a priority since taking office in 2011, insists the new policy will preserve assistance for the most needy and bring the state into compliance with federal law. He says that "illegal aliens who choose to live in Maine are not our most vulnerable citizens."

(SNIP)

"Every time he can stir up his base and talk about general assistance, use 'illegal aliens' — which is clearly used to benefit this tea party rhetoric of fear and hate — I think he's in good shape," he said.