Douglas Weckstein

I strongly oppose this bill as it eliminates all funding to support refugees and asylees in the state. Refugees and asylees are legal immigrants. Providing temporary early support is key to their ability to look for work , feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. These supports disappear after a few months . Because refugees and asylees have received initial support, they are able to become independent and productive members of our communities. This bill elects to disqualify the state from participating in welcoming and helping a small number of deserving individuals and families . Refugees have been welcomed in the US for more than 45 years and accepting limited numbers of them represents the values of our nation. This bill is an expression of intolerance for having immigrants in our state and communities.