The federal government’s failure to properly handle illegal immigration has placed an undue burden on the states, and is costing Pennsylvania millions of dollars to deal with the problem, according to one local lawmaker.

In testimony delivered Wednesday before the Senate’s State Government Committee, President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, defended legislation he crafted earlier this year, which would make it harder for illegal aliens living in the state to receive public benefits.

The legislation — Senate Bill 9 — has been met with skepticism by social service advocacy groups, who believe it creates more bureaucratic red tape for those who need assistance, but lack proper identification.

“Taxpayers are sick and tired of footing the bill for this problem,” Scarnati said Wednesday afternoon. “The federal government’s major goal is the protection of our borders and its citizens and they have failed on that. These illegal aliens are costing Pennsylvania taxpayers millions of dollars.”

Illegal immigration is one of the most hotly debated issues nationwide, with more states enacting measures to deal with the issue — including Colorado, Idaho and Texas, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Now, Pennsylvania could be the next in line if Scarnati gets his way. According to the lawmaker, many estimates have the total of illegal immigrants now living in the U.S. at more than 12 million, with up to 150,000 of those calling the state home.

“I don’t believe we can just turn away and not look at this problem,” Scarnati said, adding the issue affects not only his district, but the entire state. “The issue of illegal immigration in our Commonwealth shouldn’t have to be at the top of our agenda, but you are talking about potentially taking $300 million out of our state treasury — and that’s not even considering the jobs being taken from our citizens and the crimes that are being committed.

“This fraud does go on. It’s a bothersome issue and really a no brainer to do something about it.”

According to Scarnati, the Federation for Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates the current local annual costs of illegal immigration from three program areas — education, medical services and incarceration — amounts to roughly $36 billion. In Pennsylvania, the current estimated cost is $285 million; that cost is slated to grow to $812 million by the year 2020.

“As I can tell you from my experience with negotiating a state budget this year, that kind of money is significant,” Scarnati told the committee.

The legislation, which has a growing list of co-sponsors, would prevent illegal aliens from receiving such benefits as Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition without identification proving they are legal residents.

Scarnati said in addition to providing a valid ID to receive the benefits, individuals will also be required to sign an affidavit stating they are a U.S. citizen, or an alien lawfully residing in the country. The legislation would apply to anyone at least 18 years old.

The lawmaker said any applicant signing the affidavit stating they are a legal alien would have their status verified by the Federal Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement Program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

However, no child would be denied life’s necessities due to the actions of their parents and would allow everyone access to emergency medical care, necessary immunizations and disaster relief.

But that hasn’t seemed to deter opponents of the bill, who believe it’s unnecessary and fosters an atmosphere fear and confusion among immigrants, and would hinder the poor and elderly from receiving needed benefits.

“There is simply no proof that undocumented immigrants in Pennsylvania are receiving benefits for which they are not eligible,” Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman told The Associated Press.

The lawmaker also said the illegal alien issue is just one of many being passed down by Washington to the states to handle.

“The governor has called a special session on energy because of a lack of federal policy to deal with the use of overseas oil,” Scarnati said, adding the same holds true in the realm of health care.

Scarnati said the legislation will now be open for more debate and will likely be tweaked further before going to a vote before the full Senate and House.

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