Sen. Tipping introduces bill to support the Maine Multicultural Center

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono, introduced LD 320, “An Act to Support the Maine Multicultural Center,” before the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. The bill would fund more staff positions at the MMCC over the next two years.

“The need for the work of the Maine Multicultural Center is clear and immediate,” said Sen. Tipping. “If we want to continue to be a welcoming state with vibrant communities and a workforce that meets our needs, we should act to support programs to welcome and integrate new Mainers in Eastern Maine, just as we already do in other parts of our state.”

LD 320 proposes to fund one or more staff positions over the next two years to help Maine Multicultural Center professionalize their work, seek new sources of ongoing funding, connect with other local organizations to amplify their programs and continue to help welcome and integrate new families in the Bangor area.

Tobin Williamson of The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition testified in favor of the bill.

“The Maine Multicultural Center is a network of educational, business, and cultural services that play a vital role in promoting community enrichment and economic growth by attracting, retaining, supporting, and integrating people of diverse cultures and backgrounds,” said Williamson. “Its mission and vision embrace diversity as essential to the economic and social vitality of Maine, making it an invaluable asset to our state.”

The bill awaits further action in committee