Sep. 27, 2017
HARRISBURG – Legislation to ensure public benefits are reserved for American citizens, introduced by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), passed the House today 139-58.
The bill does not change any eligibility criteria for the receipt of public benefits. It merely updates Pennsylvania law to ensure compliance with federal law. The legislation would impact any state or federal benefits administered through the Commonwealth.
“
House Bill 1095 is a cost-saving and commonsense measure,” said Heffley. “We would not be denying benefits to anyone. We simply are confirming that benefits are only awarded to U.S. citizens or those who are otherwise eligible – like victims of human trafficking. Several years ago, Pennsylvania was sued by the federal government for paying tens of millions in public benefits to people in our country illegally. In this budget climate marked by extreme scarcity of funds, I believe we should be doing all we can to safeguard public benefits and confirm that people are who they say they are.”
Those seeking benefits who are unable to produce identification would be required to sign an affidavit certifying their citizenship and eligibility. The affidavit will be checked against the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement Program (SAVE) program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The bill would also prohibit individuals from possessing multiple ACCESS cards. House Bill 1095 will now be considered by the Senate.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
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