Agenda

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FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Meeting Date:	02/24/2020
Subject: CONSIDER status report on "Public Charge" policy
Submitted For:	David Twa
Department:	County Administrator
Referral No.:	44
Referral Name:	Challenges for EHSD
Presenter:	Kathy Gallagher	Contact:	Shirley Sears; 8-4802

Information

Referral History:

In the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Platforms, the Board of Supervisors opposed any changes to “public charge” rules that may penalize some immigrants for using vital services they are legally allowed to access. The County has reaffirmed a commitment to providing a safe, welcoming atmosphere for immigrants. The Board affirmed a belief that additional changes in public charge regulations would further jeopardize the health and well-being of county residents.

Referral Update:

On January 27, 2020, the Supreme Court lifted a preliminary injunction that prevented implementation of the Department of Homeland Security’s new “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds” rule while lawsuits made their way through the court system. While additional litigation continues, the rule will take effect on February 24, 2020, and residents will begin to be actually affected.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

Provide direction to staff on Challenges for the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) with the recent "public charge" policy changes to the access of some immigrants to health care coverage and other public benefits

Fiscal Impact (if any):

Reduced access to public safety net services increases the risk of reduced health outcomes and increased risk of poverty. These risks have an over all tendency to increase other public sector expenditures.

Attachments
Public Charge Update
Public Charge Update - PowerPoint