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Saturday, February 3, 2007 4:14 AM

LOCAL NEWS

Bill threatens funds for treating illegals

By Amanda Kerr
The Virginia Gazette

Published February 3, 2007

JAMES CITY — A bill that passed the House of Delegates on Tuesday could strip local organizations such as Olde Towne Medical Center of state and local funding if they provide services to illegal immigrants.

The bill, sponsored by Del. Jackson H. Miller (R-Manassas) addresses the eligibility of immigrants for state and local public benefits. Under the bill, funding to organizations operated for religious, charitable, community or educational purposes will be cut if they provide assistance to illegal immigrants.

Local organizations that could be affected include the Salvation Army, Olde Towne Medical Center and essentially any other religious or educational group that serves an immigrant population and receives state or local funds.

Olde Towne executive director Judy Knudson said in an interview Thursday that she didn't think the legislation is very practical.

“It would be paperwork-intensive for agencies [to check a person's legal status] that do not have the resources for that,” Knudson said. “I have always contended that this is a national problem. This isn't where the problem needs to be solved.”

Olde Towne serves the uninsured and under-insured in greater Williamsburg. The center offers a variety of medical services, including dental care, primary and preventative care, obstetrical and gynecological care and HIV-AIDS screening.

Knudson said Hispanics make up 11%-12% of patients served at Olde Towne. Immigrants from a variety of European and Asian countries are also treated at the center.

All patients served at Olde Towne must present a picture ID, proof of income and proof of residency. Knudson said patients are not specifically asked about their legal status in the country.

Taking the time to verify whether a patient is in the country legally or not could slow down the time in which a patient receives care.

“We are providing health care and trying to keep the community healthy and to keep people working,” Knudson said. “To say the first thing we have to do is prove someone is legal, I just don't think it's our job.”

Luckily for Olde Towne, it doesn't solely rely on state and local funds.

In 2005 the center received $40,000 in state funds and $475,000 from Williamsburg, James City and York. During the same year, the center received $2.36 million in private grants and fees.

Miller's bill is one of nearly 50 immigration-related bills under consideration by the Virginia General Assembly.

The bill passed 70-29 in the House and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation & Social Services.