By Bradley Vasoli, The Bulletin
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-25th, of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties, caused the full chamber to consider legislation to bar public benefits to illegal aliens.

The Senate State Government Committee, on which Mr. Scarnati sits as an ex-officio member, passed the measure unanimously Tuesday. It would prohibit illegal residents from getting Medicaid, welfare, in-state college tuition or other benefits of that sort.

“Illegal immigration drains public funds, creates unfair competition for jobs with American workers, and imposes unnecessary strains on services designed to provide assistance to hard-working citizens,â€