Speech #1020230251

Mr. Speaker. today I am introducing H.R. 6098. which will eliminate Federal mandates that require States to provide benefits to illegal aliens. The Federal Government currently mandates that States provide a number of services to illegal aliensincluding free health care and educationyet it fails to provide the necessary funds to carry out these expensive programs. Just because the Federal Government cannot afford to pay for special programs does not mean that it should impose that burden on the States. Federal mandates for illegal alien benefits are one of the major problems facing my State of California as it attempts to deal with its current budget crisis. For example. under Medicaidthe cost of which is split 5050 by the State and the Federal Governmentthe State must pay for the emergency health services of illegal aliens. As a result. many illegal aliens cross the border to go to emergency rooms in southern California for minor medical care. checkups. and to give birth to their children. Like many States. health and welfare benefits make up approximately 75 percent of Californias budget. A recent study by professors at San Diego State University conservatively estimated that California pays at least $15 million for illegal alien health care through its MediCal program. Overall. the State pays around $27 million a year for illegal alien health care. The Federal Government also requires that States take all children into the school system. from K12. The study by San Diego State University says that this costs the State over $60.6 million annually. Colleges also charge outofState tuition to illegal aliens. It is highly ironic that schools can demand to know whether a student lives within the school district. yet they cannot inquire about ones immigration status. H.R. 6098 eliminates the burdensome Federal mandates on States to provide these services. however. the States could continue to offer them if they wish to do so. In addition. H.R. 6098 prohibits direct Federal financial benefits and unemployment benefits for illegal aliens. In a time when the Government has difficulty funding programs for its own citizens. benefit programs for illegal aliens are hard to justify. Illegal aliens are currently eligible for Federal housing. social services block grants. WIC programs. School Lunch and Breakfast programs. and Headstart. Although illegal aliens are not eligible for AFDC benefits. any children they have in the United States make them eligible. Mr. Speaker.