Legislative Update
Dear neighbor,
Minnesota taxpayers were told the expansion of MinnesotaCare to cover illegal immigrants would cost $196 million over four years. I opposed this legislation. Now, after persistent questioning by House Republicans, we’ve learned the real price tag is approaching $550 million – and still climbing.
The number of undocumented individuals enrolled in MinnesotaCare has skyrocketed to over 17,000, more than double the original estimate of 7,700. The Department of Human Services never disclosed this surge; it only came to light through Republican lawmakers’ demands for transparency. You can view Monday’s press conference on these findings.
Let me explain why this is so concerning.
MinnesotaCare is a taxpayer-subsidized basic health plan. A similar private plan would cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month. But with state subsidies, MinnesotaCare lowers that cost to about $80 per month. Normally, the federal government covers 90 percent of the subsidy for eligible residents. But for illegal immigrants, the full cost is being paid by Minnesota taxpayers.
This means we are now spending hundreds of millions of dollars on individuals who are in our state illegally. With the enrollment numbers already more than double what was projected, we are quickly blowing past even the worst-case estimates. This is not something we can afford, especially with a $6 billion budget deficit on the horizon.
Worse, offering these benefits risks attracting more illegals to Minnesota, further straining public services and taxpayers—both already stretched thin.
This reflects a pattern of reckless spending by Democrat legislators. With rural hospitals closing, ambulance services struggling, and working families grappling with healthcare costs, we must ask: who are we prioritizing?
The answer should be simple. We need to prioritize Minnesotans first. That means putting the needs of law-abiding citizens and legal residents ahead of unsustainable programs that drain our resources and undermine public trust.
I fully support the Republican-led legislation to repeal this expansion. We cannot continue down this path. I will keep fighting for transparency, responsible budgeting, and a government that serves We the People.
As always, please reach out to my office with your questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Rep. Ben Davis
District 6A | rep.ben.davis@house.mn.gov | 651-296-0172
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