Permanent Commission Praises Governor Mills’ Executive Order to Develop an Office of New Americans in Maine Government
Date:
AUGUSTA - Today the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations issued a statement of strong support for Governor Janet Mills’ executive order directing the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to develop an Office of New Americans.
“Maine deserves common sense solutions that make our state stronger by respecting people’s rights and honoring our values,” said Ariel Ricci, the Executive Director of the Permanent Commission. “We know that integrating new immigrants into our communities where they can both provide for their families and provide necessary services just makes sense.”
“No matter what we look like, or how much money we have, when people cross borders our human rights come with us, and so do our skills and life experiences. By building a bridge between those skills and the workforce our state needs, we can help our communities grow and thrive together.” said Commissioner Dina Yacoubagha, who serves in a seat representing immigrant communities and is the Program Manager for the Maine Multicultural Center. “I’m excited to support the work of the Office of New Americans as we join together to work toward a system that recognizes everything we have to offer each other.”
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations was established in 2019, with the enactment of LD 777 and began its work in late 2021, after receiving its first funding with the enactment of LD 1034. The Permanent Commission has a mission to examine racial disparities across all systems with a goal of improving the status and outcomes for the historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in the state. The Permanent Commission is empowered to advise all three branches of Maine government and to introduce legislation. More information about the Permanent Commission’s work can be found on its website: https://www.pcritp.me