Sean Braisted guest-authored an interesting piece at Hispanic Nashville today.
One of the themes perpetrated, especially on Conservative talk radio and even the floor of our Legislature, is that unauthorized immigrants (or as Bob Clement calls them “illegals”) are a drain on the state coffers. One especially infectious myth is that undocumented immigrants not only get all of the same benefits as US Citizens, but actually get MORE benefits…that they are somehow treated specially by State and Local Governments, to their benefit. The Comptroller does a great job of exploding these myths on a case by case basis, especially on the issues of public housing, health care, and college education
I’ve often asked “What are the free services” that illegals supposedly receive. No one has ever been able to answer that. Other than public education — and how many of these children were born here so are citizens? — and possibly emergency room service (skipping out on the bill later), no one has ever been able to show me what freebies illegals get that the rest of us don’t.
They also contribute by paying state tax and they contribute social security .
“I’ve often asked “What are the free services” that illegals supposedly receive. No one has ever been able to answer that. Other than public education — and how many of these children were born here so are citizens? — and possibly emergency room service (skipping out on the bill later), ”
You ask the question and then give two answers? I can’t argue with you on that. However, I can argue with you on your assertion that the illegals are paying SS. The ones being paid cash, as many are, defintely aren’t. When you say state tax I’m assuming you mean sales tax, which I think should stay in place. It’s the fairest tax because it affects every consumer, illegal or not.
JD,
Who has talked about eliminating the Sales Tax? Other than perhaps a handful of Republicans?
Southern Beale: Illegals receive:
Free School Breakfasts,and Lunches,
Free HUD Housing,
Free medical,
Free Day-care,
Food Stamps,
Free Soc.Secutity benefits,
Free Welfare checks,
Free legal Service
Does this ‘partial’ list help you out any ?
Jer, No they don’t. They may indeed qualify for school lunches or breakfast, but everything else on your list is wrong.
Hey Jer, have you ever tried to receive any of those services? Trust me when I say they are harder than hell to get, and people who are here illegally are most assuredly not getting those services.