Gov. Rhoden falsely claims Congressional Democrats want taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants
(Editor’s note: Rhoden’s remarks echo comments made by Vice-President Vance - “Democrats are about to shutdown the government because they demand we fund healthcare for illegal aliens” - and House Speaker Johnson - Democrats want to “reinstate free healthcare for illegal aliens paid by American taxpayers.” In fact-checking these claims, the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy concludes that “these statements have no discernable factual basis.”)
In an Oct. 1 Facebook post, Gov. Larry Rhoden claimed that Democrats are keeping the federal government shut down because they want to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits “for illegal immigrants.”
That statement is simply false. It is illegal for undocumented immigrants to purchase health insurance through the ACA marketplace. They are also excluded from Medicaid and Medicare. These are long-standing provisions of federal law that have not changed under either Republican or Democratic administrations. To suggest otherwise misleads South Dakotans and distracts from the real issue at hand.
The current stalemate in Washington is not about benefits for undocumented immigrants. It’s about whether millions of working Americans — citizens and lawful residents — should continue receiving the tax credits that help them afford health insurance.
When these ACA subsidies expire, 24 million people across the country will see their premiums skyrocket. Many will lose coverage altogether. Extending these credits is a commonsense step that keeps families healthy and financially stable.
Gov. Rhoden, Sen. Thune and other Republican leaders often say they stand with working families. If that’s true, then supporting an extension of the ACA tax credits should not be controversial. Affordable health care strengthens our workforce, reduces uncompensated hospital costs and keeps small businesses competitive. That’s good for South Dakota and good for the country.
Gov. Rhoden also argued that there’s “no logistical way” for the state to replace the $15 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding currently at risk due to the shutdown. Again, that is not true.
Last year, South Dakota added $63 million to its reserves — more than four times the monthly amount needed to sustain SNAP benefits during a temporary shutdown. The governor could call a special session and request an appropriation to keep food assistance flowing to the families who depend on it.
Yes, churches and nonprofits play an important role in caring for those in need. But those organizations cannot, and should not, be expected to shoulder the entire burden. Programs like SNAP exist because they provide consistent, statewide support that reaches people in every community — urban and rural, East and West River. A church pantry can feed a few dozen families; SNAP feeds tens of thousands.
Ultimately, this government shutdown isn’t about immigrants, or whether private charity can replace public programs. It’s about political will — and priorities. Democrats are asking for one thing: to extend ACA tax credits so that millions of Americans can keep their health coverage. Republicans, meanwhile, are refusing to act unless those credits are allowed to expire.
It takes two to tango, and both parties have a responsibility to govern. But facts matter. The claim that Democrats are shutting down the government to fund benefits for undocumented immigrants is a fabrication. South Dakotans deserve leaders who tell the truth — and who put people over politics.
Dan Ahlers of Dell Rapids is the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party. He is a former small business owner and state legislator.
Photo: Gov. Larry Rhoden, public domain, wikimedia commons
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