Summary
Earlier this week, this newspaper reported that the local governments of Arlington and Fairfax counties and the city of Alexandria had asked for an exemption from a state law that prevents illegal aliens from receiving local health care and welfare benefits. Gov. Mark Warner gave them their answer on Tuesday, when he signed the bill into law without adding any exemption amendments for the General Assembly to consider when it reconvenes next week. Since Mr. Warner, a Democrat, initially opposed the bill, he should be applauded for his reversal. As Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore has said, the legislation is "common sense."
The law will apply to illegals 19 years and older, and it does not deny any illegal alien from receiving emergency services. It does, however, require state and local officials to verify legal presence of an applicant who is applying for specific benefits. It is shameful that before the bill, which becomes law on Jan. 1, someone asking for Medicaid benefits didn't have to provide so much as a green card for approval.See the full content of this document
Extract
'Common Sense' in the Commonwealth
Opponents of the bill in the heavily Democratic districts of Northern Virginia a...
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