Federal law requires states to verify that people accessing public services, such as medical or food assistance programs, are in the country legally. However, State Representative Jeff Mursau (R-Crivitz) worries public assistance workers are not making those checks that right now.
Mursau says current state law is not strong enough to compel workers to check paperwork and other documentation to make sure applicants are U.S. citizens or have started the process to become one. He’s introducing a bill that would subject workers to fines of up to $250 if they are unable to prove an applicant who signed up for state services had proof of citizenship.
Mursau says the intent of the legislation is to make sure people who access the programs are legal citizens. He says tax dollars should not be going to fund benefits for people who are breaking the law and the state should be doing a better job at verifying their eligibility.
The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing at the Capitol.