Thread: Services for illegal aliens cost CALIF. $6 BILLION a year

Schwarzenegger: Immigrants not cause of budget woe

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, The Associated Press
8:53 p.m. April 15, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that health care and other services for illegal immigrants cost California taxpayers as much as $6 billion a year, but that's not the reason for the state's financial mess.

While acknowledging the huge burden that comes with millions of illegal residents, the governor said the source of a $42 billion budget hole is a broken system in Sacramento. He urged voters to support six ballot proposals in next month's special election that he says will repair it.

At an appearance at the Los Angeles Times, the Republican governor estimated that education and other services for illegal immigrants could carry a $4 billion to $6 billion price tag each year.

But to place blame there for the ongoing budget mess – or any other single factor – "would be the wrong thing," he said.

He added that Washington holds the power to resolve immigration issues, not California, and comprehensive reform is on President Barack Obama's agenda.

Schwarzenegger is trying to sell skeptical voters a sextet of ballot proposals that are the heart of a Sacramento deal to increase taxes, slash spending and borrow to fill the record budget gap. The agreement also includes hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate tax breaks.

Surveys show voters uneasy with much of the plan. The sinking approval ratings of the governor and Legislature, paired with resentment about higher taxes on the middle class, will make his job more difficult.

Thousands of protesters were at the Capitol on Wednesday calling for the defeat of the centerpiece, known as Proposition 1A, which would extending sales and income tax increases while creating a state spending cap and strengthening a special fund the state could dip into during financial emergencies.

Schwarzenegger referred to the sour mood of voters, but said the ballot package would set the stage for a more prosperous future and an end to the boom-and-bust cycles in Sacramento that typically end with tax increases and spending cuts. He disputed that the plan would cut funds for mental health services.

"It's a very bad time now. People are angry in general," he said.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/ ... ndex=83098

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that health care and other services for illegal immigrants cost California taxpayers as much as $6 billion a year . . .

And $6 BILLION a year isn't a problem ?

I THINK ARNOLD HAS GONE NUTS.

California is collecting billions upon billions of tax from taxpayers already. California has plenty of money but it is going into some black hole somwhere and they just want more and more and more. It will never be enough for them. Meantime they protect and support the entry of millions of illegals into our state to compete unfairly for jobs. Our tax dollars at work. Enough already. We already pay plenty of taxes...start putting the money to work appropriately.

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that health care and other services for illegal immigrants cost California taxpayers as much as $6 billion a year . . .

And $6 BILLION a year isn't a problem ?

I THINK ARNOLD HAS GONE NUTS.

No, he didn't go nuts, he married a Kennedy.

LOS ANGELES — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that health care and other services for illegal immigrants cost California taxpayers as much as $6 billion a year, but that's not the reason for the state's financial mess.

I'd wager to bet it's a LOT more than 6 B's. The other problem is the massive pork projects. But hey, gotta keep those illegals working and those swamp mice (or whatever) of Nazi Pelosi's safe!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that health care and other services for illegal immigrants cost California taxpayers as much as $6 billion a year . . .

And $6 BILLION a year isn't a problem ?

I THINK ARNOLD HAS GONE NUTS.

And if Arnold says it is $6 billion, you know it has to be at least $10 billion or more.

Schwarzenegger is in perpetual robo-denial about this. It's CYA in a state that can't do a damn thing about illegal immigration because it's too big and too late. Time to divide the state in half and let them duke it out and make necessary rearrangements. Some parts are worth saving if you can get rid of the liberal control-freaks and ethnocentrics milking the coffers. But these maniacs are operating on credit and fighting over the scraps.

Yes, arnie's perpetual denial is disturbing.

A few years ago the "immigrants" cost us 9 B's.

Last I heard it was up to 12B's.

That $6 Billion doesn't include the incarceration cost of criminal illegal aliens.

I saw a figure of $10 Billion for education, healthcare and incarcerations of illegal aliens in California per year, just for those 3 items. So if "services" are $6 billion and includes education and healthcare, then incarcerations are around $4 billion. It's hard to know the total cost, but if 3 items cost $10 billion then you know the total cost is more than $10 billion, making the $12 billion figure very realistic.

It's outrageous! This must end and end now.

It's nice he gave us a figure.

To bad he didn't mention a solution.