California Lawmakers Propose Health Coverage For Illegal Aliens

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Saying that the state is “flush with cash from an expanding economy,” California is looking to spend $1 billion a year to provide health care to illegal immigrants under a proposal announced Wednesday by Democratic lawmakers.

The proposal would eliminate legal residency requirements in California's Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal. It’s part of $4.3 billion in new spending proposed by San Francisco Democrat Assemblyman Phil Ting.

Assembly Democrats also want to expand a tax credit for the working poor, boost preschool and child care, and increase college scholarships.

Expanding access to health care has been a contentious issue for California lawmakers, who were targeted last year by protests from left-wing activists who want state-funded coverage to everyone, regardless of immigration status.

Corrie O'Connor