Elimination of state benefits for noncitizens advances

Senators gave first-round approval March 16 to a bill that would eliminate state benefits for some noncitizen permanent residents.

LB465, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell at the request of the governor, would eliminate state-only benefits for certain noncitizen permanent residents who are in the United States legally but do not qualify for benefits under federal guidelines. Current federal guidelines require permanent residents to be in the U.S. for five years to qualify for benefits, but states can choose to provide benefits without using federal funds.

Currently, lawful noncitizens who meet income and other requirements are eligible to participate in Nebraska’s state-option Medicaid program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Aid to Needy Families and aid to the aged, blind and disabled regardless of when they entered the country.

Campbell said LB465 would bring Nebraska law in line with federal law and that exceptions for children and pregnant women would lessen the impact on the approximately 1,1000 individuals currently receiving benefits under the state’s program. She said the bill is projected to save the state $3.9 million annually.

“We all know the options we are facing in the budget,” Campbell said. “Many of them are not good.”

Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar expressed concern that Nebraska cities and counties would be called upon to fill the gaps created by elimination of state-only benefits. The need for assistance will not disappear when the benefits stop, he said.

LB465 advanced on a 31-2 vote.