The Washington Times
RICHMOND — Both chambers of the Republican-controlled Virginia General Assembly yesterday approved a measure that would deny illegal aliens access to state and local public benefits, including Medicaid.
The House voted 81-17 to approve the bill, which applies only to aliens 19 and older. The Senate, which usually rejects legislation that restricts benefits to illegal aliens, approved the bill on a 27-11 vote.
The bill now heads to Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat, who could not be reached for comment yesterday. Warner spokeswoman Ellen Qualls said the bills are "under review," but did not offer further comment.
Since becoming governor in 2002, Mr. Warner has vetoed legislation that would have required illegal aliens to pay out-of-state tuition at state universities and approved a measure that requires foreign nationals to prove they are in the United States legally before obtaining a driver's license.
Posted by Suzanne at February 23, 2005