Oklahoma's anti-illegal foreign national law is set to go into effect November 1st. But there are signs this law will not stop illegal foreign nationals from getting some free services from agencies. Naturally, the cost for these "free services" are paid for by taxpayers.
Recently, the citizens of Oklahoma learned the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority voted to provide pregnant illegals foreigners with free health care. So, if you are illegal no worry - we will take care of you and your child with free health care. Tthe taxpayers will pay for it for you. Of course, we didn't get to vote on this decision. It was made by a handful of people.
I wonder, if you are a citizen and pregnant if these same services available to you, as well. I''ll give the Authority a call and report back.
Today, I read, illegal foreign nationals will also get free flu shots at taxpayer expense! Isn't this great for them?
"Illegal immigrants are eligible for the shots, said Charles Broadway, assistant general counsel for the Health Department. The immigration law, House Bill 1804, goes into effect on November 1 but will not apply to flu vaccinations, Broadway said.
Programs related to "public health assistance for immunizations with respect to diseases and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases are exempt," according to the new statute, which was adopted by the Legislature last spring. The bill's co-author, state Representative Randy Terrill, R Moore, said the law is open to interpretation, but that social services agencies that receive public funds could be legally culpable.
Meanwhile, almost 1,100 people -- many waiting in line as early as 7:30 a.m. in murky weather -- got free flu shots on Monday at a clinic sponsored by the Oklahoma City County Health Department.
Alrighty then. I guess, I'll report back what the new law will stop.
Meanwhile, the lawsuit against HB 1804 was thrown out of court yesterday:
"In his order, Judge Payne said he did not doubt the plaintiffs' belief that House Bill 1804 is unconstitutional, but said a true constitutional vetting of the law could "only be achieved through a suit brought by plaintiffs with well-defined injuries causally connected to HB 1804.”
Rep. Randy Terrill, who authored the immigration bill, said the dismissal "doesn't mean we are out of the woods yet.” The group could appeal the decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, could try to find additional plaintiffs and refile or amend the current lawsuit or they could wait until the law goes into effect and then challenge the law.
If the law does prevail, will it even matter? Early this month, Oklahoma City Police Chief William Citty was quoted as saying "We're not going to enforce immigration laws. It's our opinion that it's a federal issue. Way to go, Chief Citty! Thats looking out for the citizens who want to live in a sovereign state.
Our new anti-illegal foreign national law, HB 1804, has really got some people hot. The National Coalition of Latino Clergy are attacking us. I keep track of it here.