AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee voted Friday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would change the Foreign Credentialing and Skills Recognition Revolving Loan Program to a grant program and increase the maximum allowable distribution of funds to eligible immigrants from the current $700 to $1,000.
The program, administered by the Finance Authority of Maine, currently provides loans to assist asylum seekers in becoming more prepared to enter the workforce, including funding English language proficiency examinations and other credentialing necessary for employment in Maine.
"LD 1169 provides a solution to addressing our worker shortage by ensuring those who wish to work in Maine are more prepared to do so upon obtaining their work permits," said Cloutier. "We need to support people as they enter the workforce. LD 1169 will do just that while helping to grow our state's economy."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Cloutier is the assistant House majority leader and is currently serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents House District 94, which includes part of her hometown of Lewiston.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Cloutier], 305-965-2744