Benton offers amendment to supplemental budget to get an accounting of tax dollars spent on services for illegal immigrants

February 28, 2008

OLYMPIA…During debate in the Senate today on the 2008 supplemental operating budget, Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, offered an amendment to determine the amount of tax dollars spent on services to illegal immigrants. 

The amendment would have used existing funds appropriated to the state auditor for his staff to review programs that include services to illegal immigrants to determine the amount of tax dollars involved, and whether the spending is legitimate under state and federal laws. 

“I think the taxpayers of this state deserve to know how much of their money is being spent on people who are in this country illegally,” Benton said. “I have no idea if the audit would determine if the money being spent is a large sum or a small sum, or if there are legal problems. But whatever the answer is, the citizens have a right to know.” 

Benton’s amendment was defeated along party lines, 17 -31, with Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, also voting “yes.”

- 30 - 

Additional Contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov