West
New poll reveals majority of Californians oppose this key benefit for illegal immigrants
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A majority of Californians oppose providing healthcare coverage for adults who are in the United States illegally, despite the Golden State currently offering it.
The Public Policy Institute of California survey revealed that 58% opposed and 41% of those polled were in favor of the policy. The move took effect last year to allow people to enroll in Medi-Cal, the state version of Medicaid that takes taxpayer dollars, “regardless of immigration status.”
According to the pollster, a majority of those surveyed used to support the idea from 2015-2023.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HEALTHCARE COSTS IN BLUE STATE TRIGGERS INTENSE BUDGET DEBATE
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the action halting federal EV infrastructure funding is “illegal.” (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The Medi-Cal program went insolvent this spring, as it required billions in loans to keep it afloat. The governor’s office proposed changes like an “enrollment freeze” and a $100 monthly payment for “individuals with certain statuses” on Medi-Cal.
However, some of those changes are unlikely to move forward in the Democratic supermajority legislature, according to CalMatters. According to the legislature’s budget proposal, Democratic leadership is backing possibly creating a $30 monthly payment instead of $100 for those with “unsatisfactory immigration status” beginning in 2027, which would make some changes to the “enrollment freeze” that could start in 2026.
The legislature also proposes scrapping the governor’s proposed $2,000 asset limit pitch for Medi-Cal participants and instead would bring it back to $130,000.
NEWSOM PROPOSES FREEZE ON ALLOWING ADULT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO JOIN CALIFORNIA’S MEDICAID PROGRAM
Doctor seated with patient. (iStock)
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, told Fox News Digital that the percentage of Californians opposing providing healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants may be even higher.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE
“This debate is not about ‘Should we provide healthcare to illegals or not?’ because that’s a false question. The bigger question is, should we provide free taxpayer funding to illegal immigrants and not have enough money and jeopardize services for citizens who are the neediest among us relying on Medicare?” DeMaio said. “That’s the real debate. And this poll doesn’t even capture that.”
“The Democrat position is a lot worse than this poll even suggests,” he continued.
Newsom’s office previously attributed the issues with Medi-Cal to broader economic concerns.
LAWMAKERS REVEAL WHETHER AMERICANS SHOULD PICK UP THE MEDICAID TAB FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Migrants attempt to cross into the U.S. from Mexico at the border on Dec. 17, 2023 in Jacumba Hot Springs, California. (Nick Ut/Getty Images)
“Governor Newsom proposed adjustments in the 2025-2026 budget that will allow California to preserve our commitment to immigrant communities, protect coverage for millions of Californians, and preserve the strength of our values and health care system,” Elana Ross, deputy communications director for Newsom’s office, told Fox News Digital. “To be very clear, these proposals are the results of a $16 billion Trump Slump and higher-than-expected health care utilization.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the California Latino Legislative Caucus about the poll. The caucus has continuously raised concerns about the impact of Medi-Cal reform on immigrants.
On the federal level, the reconciliation bill currently in Congress could also impact states that provide Medicaid coverage to illegal immigrants.
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San Francisco, CA
Chonkers the Gigantic Steller Sea Lion Draws Crowds to Pier 39
“He’s like a Volkswagen! He’s so huge!” said Oluwaseyi Akinbobola, a visitor from Los Angeles who had an extra half hour so she ran down to the pier for a hopeful peek of the elusive sea lion. “I have heard everywhere about this big giant sea lion, and I like to look at things, so just thought I’d check it out.”
Chonkers likely came from up north off the coast of Washington or Oregon and is estimated to weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds (680 and 907 kilograms), said Laura Gill, public programs manager at The Marine Mammal Center in nearby Sausalito. Chonkers has been one of the few Steller sea lions to venture to the pier, which is protected from predators and crashing waves while providing a fish-filled buffet.
“There’s plenty of food in San Francisco Bay for them, so the fish, the rockfish, the anchovies, the herring, there’s a lot of easy prey for them,” she said.
@apnews A surprise guest at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is quite literally making waves. Meet Chonkers, the name given to a giant Steller sea lion spotted this week lounging among his considerably smaller California sea lion neighbors. Chonkers belongs to the Steller species, the largest of all sea lions, known for their commanding presence and dock-dominating energy. Adult males can weigh over a ton. #sealion #cuteanimals #sanfrancisco #seal #california #fishermanswharf #animals #ocean ♬ original sound – The Associated Press
Denver, CO
Hundreds targeted by Denver text scam show up for fake court hearing
At least 200 people crowded into the Denver City & County building on Friday morning after receiving a scam text about a traffic violation and court hearing.
Colorado is at least the ninth state to be hit by the scam that tries to get people to pay a fine through a QR code printed on an official-looking “final enforcement notice,” county court spokesperson Carolyn Tyler said.
Courts in Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon, South Dakota, and Virginia reported similar scams, she said.
The fake document claims to be from the state of Colorado and the Denver County Traffic Division and is titled “Official Notice of Default and Enforcement Action.” The form instructs people to pay a fee by scanning a QR code on the form or show up for a court hearing — in this case, at 9 a.m. Friday in Denver.
“The court does not contact people this way,” Tyler said. “If you do get communications from the court, you should expect to see your name, your case number and specific identifying information.”
Court employees will never reach out by text to demand payment, county officials said.
Anyone who gets a suspicious text claiming they are in default for a traffic violation should report the information to local police and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office online at stopfraudcolorado.gov or the Denver District Attorney’s Office consumer fraud hotline at 720-913-9179.
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Seattle, WA
Seahawks rookie minicamp tryout players revealed
The Seattle Seahawks kicked off rookie minicamp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on Friday. While the rookie draft class and undrafted free agents are all slated to participate, there are dozens of unsigned players who’ve received invites, including some non-rookies still trying to get an NFL contract.
Seattle Seahawks rookie minicamp invitees
And yes, Gee Scott Jr is the son of the longtime Seattle radio personality Gee Scott Sr. Gee Scott Jr was part of the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders practice squads last season, but he didn’t play in a game and otherwise is eligible for tryouts.
If you’re wondering about Jalen Milroe’s rookie minicamp eligibility, he accrued a full season and is under contract and therefore cannot participate.
Seahawks rookie minicamp ends on Saturday, May 2.
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