Posted on 06/06/2009 10:04:47 AM PDT by SmithL
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday disputed claims that illegal immigrants caused California's $24.3 billion deficit, while he praised their economic contributions and said he is "happy" they have access to services.
The Republican governor, answering wide-ranging questions from The Bee's editorial board and its readers, also vented about roadblocks to his authority posed by political foes and warned that government can't sustain the current level of "unbelievable benefits" for public-sector workers.
In response to dozens of questions from readers who say the state ought to wipe out the deficit by eliminating services for illegal immigrants, the governor said it is a "myth" that those immigrants are to blame.
He said the cost of services to illegal immigrants, which has been estimated at $4 billion to $5 billion annually, is a "small percentage" of the deficit California faces.
"Yes, it is something that ought to be dealt with, but the fact of the matter is, I think it's an easy scapegoat for people to point the finger and say, 'Our budget is out of whack because of illegal immigrants.' "
"It's not," he added. "Our budget is out of whack because we have self-inflicted wounds that the Legislature and this state has never really sat down and had the will to go and make the necessary changes that have to be made."
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
Right, like Illegal immigrants
I don't. I blame you.
Isn’t one of La Raza’s stated goals to be reclamation of land now held by the U.S.? I say they can have California.
I don’t blame the illegals ... I blame those who let them in and subsidize them ... like you Arnold
Wow this is just stunning. It’s actually more than $4 billion considering the illegals in prison and the anchor babies who are using state services.
For him to cut any essential service to tax paying citizens before cutting services to people here illegally, is a violation of his oath of office. Not that an oath means much anymore.
Hasta la vista, Ah-nold.
Total failure.
This may be part of the long-term effects of those steroids on this poor fool. Brains and balls both shrink to nothing, if he even had any to begin with.
What is it with these immigrants who get elected to office?
Arnie seems to identify with illegal aliens. Maybe he was one before he wasn’t. The framers knew what they were doing when they demanded a natural born citizen to be president. The various state constitutions should have done the same for governors.
So can we blame the politicians who extended state benefits to illegals instead?
Then you should have no problem taxing the snot out of them.
no problem at all...
OK Arnie. I'm a legal alien (actually 2nd generation American, but let's keep that quiet). I'd be content if you were to give me $4 billion to $5 billion. Apparently, it's such a small pittance of funds. no one would hardly notice it's missing.
Sound good?!?
Politicians must have their brains removed upon taking office. Does it not occur to the governator that taxpayers don’t want to pay for illegals? How about expelling them, then setting up centers for all welfare recipients to report to each morning. Farmers (or anyone who needs a worker) can come pick up the number of workers they need & they get paid by the farmer instead of the taxpayer. Sooner or later all those welfare recipients would find something better to do. And that would go a long way towards solving CA’s budget problems.
Technically he's right. He and congress did and they are legal immigrants.
Ah, the familiar call of the California RINO in its natural environment. Note the sad warbling of the excuse-song, used to attract its preferred type of mate; local Democrat women. While once thought to be endangered, the California RINO has had a startling comeback over the years, and are now found in great number, roaming freely across the halls of Sacramento.
**“estimated at $4 billion to $5 billion annually” **
Must be KALIFORNIA MATH ...20% of anything is not quite a PITTANCE!!!
5 years ago, I would have asked if this article came from the ONION or SCRAPPLEFACE.
No kidding! Actually, it’s a very sad commentary on the state of affairs.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.