League, Credit Unions Offer Support for Governor Mills’ Proposed Office of New Americans

Eugene Ardito, President and CEO at cPort CU, testifies before the Committee on State and Local Government.

On Tuesday, the League was in Augusta to provide testimony in support of LD 2167, An Act to Develop Maine’s Economy and Strengthen Its Workforce by Establishing an Office of New Americans. The bill, considered before the Committee on State and Local Government, aims to enhance the economic integration of immigrants in Maine’s communities.

When offering testimony in favor of LD 2167, League Director of Governmental Affairs Krista Simonis highlighted the work Maine credit unions are doing to support New Mainers, especially as it relates to financial education.  

“Financial literacy is foundational to overall health and building a stable financial future,” shared Simonis. “Ignoring these needs is not something we can afford to do.” 

Simonis also encouraged the committee to consider adding a financial services representative to the proposed office’s Advisory Council.

Community CU submitted written testimony in support of the bill, while Eugene Ardito, President and CEO at cPort CU, offered verbal testimony. 

In his testimony, Ardito shared, “We support the creation of an Office of New Americans and applaud the Governor for her dedicated efforts. As an organization, we have been working with the immigrant community for nearly twenty years and have seen both incredible growth and some challenges throughout this time.” 

Both Community CU and cPort CU emphasized the need for a financial services representative on the Advisory Council.  

The Committee on State and Local Government is expected to schedule a work session for further consideration of this bill in the coming weeks.