Gov. LePage’s proposed cuts to services to immigrants take Maine in the wrong direction. We are a nation of immigrants. That diversity has made us strong.

LePage’s proposed budget cuts eliminate food assistance for lawfully present immigrants. An estimated 420 households including 709 individuals would lose food assistance, according to Maine Equal Justice Partners. How can hungry kids learn in school?

LePage’s proposal also seeks to eliminate Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Thirty-five families, including 75 children, will lose this key support, which assists in providing shelter, heat and clothing.

How does it strengthen Maine to push families into homelessness while they are trying to rebuild their lives? We are better than this!

Almost every faith tradition has the injunction “to love thy neighbor as thyself.” Churches, synagogues and mosques know what these harsh cuts will mean for those who are most vulnerable among us.

We care for our neighbors in this state, but LePage seems to have completely forgotten this. Let’s rise above this to build a Maine where compassion and opportunity are truly for all.

The Rev. Allison C.G. Smith

clergy, United Church of Christ

Harpswell