Senate OKs plan to deny state aid

BOISE – The Idaho Senate on Monday overwhelmingly approved a plan to exclude illegal immigrants from most state benefits, despite concerns about unintended consequences.

Sen. John McGee, R-Caldwell, the bill’s sponsor, said, “It is undeniable that illegal aliens are receiving taxpayer supported benefits in Idaho, and taxpayers should not be saddled with any of those costs, whether it’s $1 million, $1,000 or $1.”

Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Post Falls, said, “Let’s use our taxpayers’ money to take care of our citizens.”

Debate on the bill stretched for more than 45 minutes. Senate Bill 1157a, which passed the Senate on a 29-6 vote and now moves to the House, would require people 18 or older to provide proof of legal residence before receiving any state benefits. The bill includes some exceptions, including emergency health care and prenatal care.

Opponents questioned whether any illegal immigrants are receiving any state benefits and whether the bill would have unintended consequences.

“I’m a little disturbed about what someone could do with this,” said Sen. Chuck Coiner, R-Twin Falls. “Going to a city park is a public benefit.”

Sen. Mike Burkett, D-Boise, said the bill could become “a tool for discrimination.”

Some senators said the bill wouldn’t go far enough to stem the costs of illegal immigration; others questioned the cost to state and local governments of complying with the bill.

But several of the senators who expressed concerns about the bill in the debate then voted for it.

Sen. Brad Little, R-Emmett, said, “Is this perfect? No. Are we going to come back and amend it? Indubitably. But this is a pretty good first step. … Most people think that we ought to do this.”

Burkett asked if the bill would prevent an illegal immigrant from attending an Idaho college or university.

McGee said yes and added that if students don’t have legal residency status, they shouldn’t attend those institutions.

All Panhandle senators voted with the majority in favor of the bill.