Financial Crisis at la Clinica del Pueblo
One of D.C.'s main health care providers for the Latino community is facing a financial crisis. According to a recent story in El Tiempo Latino, la Clinical del Pueblo has a deficit of $500 thousand and may have to cut services soon without a bailout. The clinic serves more than 7,000 clients, most of whom are recent immigrants.
Manuela Sifuentes, a project manager at the clinic, says the cash-flow problems stem from the facility's recent growth. Last summer, the federal government awarded the center certification as a federally qualified health center, which meant they could bill Medicaid at a higher rate and get access to additional grants and other federal funds. But the status also required an immediate expansion of services, which meant spending money they didn't yet have. Sifuentes says the cost of the expansion wiped out the center's cash on hand, so while they have a solid financial plan for the future, day to day bills are piling up.
The clinic is talking with the city about possible plans for addressing the crisis and an anonymous donor recently wrote a check for $50,000. The donor has promised to write another check if the clinic can raise a matching $50,000 in donations over the next month. Donations are being accepted here.
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2:51 pm
Why, oh, why, are American taxpayer dollars supporting a hospital for non-citizens? This is an abomination!
4:04 pm
It is the belief of La Clínica del Pueblo (and many other community-based organizations) that health care is a basic human right.
As for the taxpayer dollars, well... one does not have to be a US citizen to be required to pay income tax. Additionally, undocumented workers often pay income tax, contributing approximately $7 billion to Social Security every year.
6:42 pm
Why are American taxpayer dollars supporting a hospital for non-citizens? The simple answer.The majority of Americans in the working classes are BUTT dumb. I swear what I am about to say is true. I just received a phone call that an old friend of the family was booted out of a nursing home he needed to be in for a serious condition, and sent home with no further care. This was done by CAREMORE a typical HMO. While Americans get abused, people like Mr. Sifuentes arrogantly explain that it is the taxpayers duty to help those here illegally. WE WILL GET WHAT WE DESERVE WHEN WE CONTINUE TO SUPPPORT THOSE POLITICIANS, OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER--WHO CONTINUALLY PUT AMERICANS LAST.
6:45 pm
Pardon me on my last post I meant "Mrs"/Ms. Sifuentes arrogantly explain.........
8:18 am
I am an Hispanic and an US citizen I DO PAY TAXES and a LOT. I rather to see that my taxes dollars go to help people in need of a comprehensive health care. You see help people..wherether they are white, black, asian, or LATINOS. Have you protested that billions of our taxes dollars went to IRAK... yet WE people who live in this Counry do not get a proper health care... We are a Country on Immigrant our Founder came from far away...other wise we all be and proudly NATIVE AMERICAN because they were HERE long before the immigration. Can we STOP to look at "Ilegal Immigration" and focus more on helping PEOPLE as a WHOLE. Today you are helping this Clinic...Tomorrow we will helping another organization in need ..we all as individual need help and love... So would you rather your taxes dollars go to build weapon, help other Countries which has a lot lot of OIL or help an organization in this lovely COUNTRY.
9:15 pm
I agree with Bobby. The difference of most immigrants here today is that most have crossed the borders illegally. Additionally, the immigrants crossing our borders do not respect our laws. Why should I be responsible for paying higher taxes to educate your children, pay your food stamps, section-8 housing, medical bills, child birthing bills, incarceration expenses? I would agree that most are well intentioned and are in search of a better life. Many do work hard to improve - but, there is also a rather large group demanding that Americans pay your way. We have enough of a load already. The comparison that you liberal socialists like to throw out there is "the expense of IRAK?" I have to ask? Where are you from? Central or South America? Did you also cross the border illegaly. Did you solve the problems in your own country before troubling this country with your demands? We are doing the best we can - this is the best place in the world and you should appreciate the priviledge of being here. Stop demanding others pay your way! Pay your own way. Cannot afford medical insurance? Get a second job.
Thirty years ago while raising my own family I worked a second job to make ends meet and provide for my children. Life is tough. Get used to it. Stop whining - you are all a bunch of pinheads.
1:13 am
Well. After years of our forefathers fighting countless wars, innovating, creating, building, we now have these socialist invaders telling us how to run things. What country might you be from? Are you legal yourself? Hackneed phrases such as " should we use the money to build a weapon"? instead of paying for some illegal alians healthcare. You arrogant idiot. Have you ever spent anytime in a vietnamese prison? Felt the bombs from Japan, seen firsthand the work of WW2, WW1, Korea? Slaughtered by Hitler, poisoned by Sadam? You are a child and have no realistic view of the world. If all were for love and beauty you would've been left behind. Get real, travel the world and realize this is about as good as it gets. Pay your own bills. Go back to where you came from and demand healthcare there. Do you want to know what I think. YOU ARE A COWARD. You are here demanding these things because you have the freedom here you did not have in your own native land. You came here because you were too cowardly to solve the problems in your own land. Well, guess what. You SOCIALISTS are destroying North America. And, when you finish the job and are left with the remains - enjoy yourselfs. Who will be left here to innovate and create? Most large coprorations have had enough with the entitlement system and have vacated the country. In less than ten years you will all be here with a faltering GDP while the sick and tired of your BS will have left the country. Fighting aids? Why don't you fight behavior. Fighting for equal rights? Why not try to assimilate. Fighting for justice? Stop breaking the law. Want free medical? Did you have that where your came from? If yes - go home. If not? Why not return to your wonderful lands and fight for it there? Bunch of cowards.
I agree with the last poster, get a second job and work for it like the rest of us did. There are no free rides here. Just opportunity for those that are willing to work for it.
KMA
12:59 pm
As long as ignorance like that above continues in America this will never be a prosperous or peaceful country. What I hate the most is that white Americans who are decendants of immigrants to this country as is EVERYONE except the Native Americans believe that it was ok for their decendants to have arrived here and begin a new and better life, but that no one else is entitled to the same opportunity. Mind you, these are the same people that sought out slaves and built the American economy off of their forced labor.
Latinos do the jobs that no one else in this country wants: picking in the fields, cleaning offices, food services. All immigrants did this work when they first arrived. No one is asking or demanding anything. Help is available and it is received by those that need it.
People get what they work for. No one gets a paycheck for free. Most people who come to this country this day and age are fleeing from conditions that all you pampered white Americans have never seen much less understand. You should travel and see what "third world" poverty is then you MIGHT understand that no one including YOU, would want to be in those circumstances with no options for improvement. If you have such distain for your fellow human being and have absolutely NO compassion for the less fortunate you should become a militant, take over the country and then run it as you choose. Until then get some therapy for your unbridled hate. It's not healthy.
11:46 am
Dear Hopeless-
Your response to what is valid concern is plain STUPID. You sound like a disinfranchised person living in North America. Whatever. Get over your hopeless feelings it has nothing to do with the politics of N. America. Did the Euro's arrive and demand to be supported by the Native Indians? No. The slaves that you carelessly mention built the nation? Which history books are you reading and what institution did you receive your education? Mr/Mrs Hopeless - should all just arrive and expect the working class to provide the needs of the world? Medical, Dental, Food Stamps, Housing, Education? Et cetera. Who paid for your education?
You state the nation could be great?????? It was great! It is in decline due to the liberal - socialist group that now holds the power. Good luck! You can now enjoy all the changes. And, when you find there are no longer enough folks working to support those that choose to sit on the dole here? What will you have? Enjoy yourself......We've vacated and will not return.
You speak of your people cleaning offices - sure, it is not a great job but tell me the Germans, Italians, Polish, Chinese, Koreans, Irish, and yes Blacks did not do the same a few years back! You expect for Mexicans, Central and South America to show up and just step into an upper middle class lifestyle on hand-outs from the taxpayer! Get real. You need to learn to love all and release your own hatred. We're all the same - white, black, red, blue, green. It is not about the races you dummy! It is about earning your own way. Life is tough and we're tired of making things easy on you at our expense! GET REAL MR./MRS. HOPELESS!
11:52 am
It is the belief of La Clínica del Pueblo (and many other community-based organizations) that health care is a basic human right.
As for the taxpayer dollars, well… one does not have to be a US citizen to be required to pay income tax. Additionally, undocumented workers often pay income tax, contributing approximately $7 billion to Social Security every year.
Sure - Pay for it! Nothing in life is free and my kids went without while those on welfare & medicare received. WITLIT!
1:03 am
On February 12th 2009 Hopeless responded with the argument that illegal aliens pay 7 billion in taxes each year to social security. Dear hopeless, do you have any IDEA at all what is paid out to entitlement recipients for SSI/SSN/SSA(illegal alians) system per year?!?!?!
Do you know that over forty-percent of SSI are living outside of the United States? Do you have any idea what the costs to our nation are (probably should say MY Nation as you obviously do not act as if you care or belong) to house the illegals each day? Any idea? Nearly 212 Billion dollars per year! You, have no argument! Does that tell you anything at all about this entitlement? Do you have any idea what the emergency room; education; food stamps; DOE, DOT; DOA; DOS; DOJ costs are on a yearly basis simply for those living here illegally? You have no clue b/c you are GREEN or Jaded!Look at any state and examine the entitlement systems in place and you will find your kind of folks bleeding the system at various levels. The most liberal state in the land is nearly bankrupt! Be it working off of the books while on welfare or living in the judicial accomadations while serving for rape, incest, murder, or some other crime - and quite a few of your illegals are serving time! You are an intelligent, but young and green, you can share in the downfall of this GREAT nation. Live in it (if you are even here) and enjoy yourself! Whatever your problem is - (dommestic/parental in nature, lost child, jaded by "whitey", left behind at the oscars?), perhaps global in nature? You are obviously a wounded person with a bent to simply attack those that you feel are in the power. Just wonder what your story is? On welfare, some government program, maybe in free housing, perhaps lived in lands other than North america, been left behind by your parents, friends, family? Are you feeling like a 5 instead of a 10? Do you really care to live your life behind the BURKA? That is where you are heading.
7:53 am
Twenty million illegal aliens cost $40.000 each to subsidize health, housing, education, police and legal services. 20,000,000 X 40,000 = 800,000,000,000. Why, we might just balance the budget and still have some jobs available for Americans.
Victimization is the political scam of populists who refuse to recognize responsibility for their own personal behavior or those they lead.
6:56 am
Amnesty Costs 70 Times More Than Enforcement
The cost of amnesty: $999 billion.
The cost of attrition by enforcement: as little as $14 billion.
Amnesty would cost up to 70 times as much as enforcing existing law.
$999 billion cost of Amnesty (Mass Legalization)
Source: The Heritage Foundation
Summary: The Heritage Foundation issued two studies in 2007 pointing out that the big problem with mass legalization is that (a) most illegal aliens are low-skilled and therefore do not earn enough money to pay enough taxes to cover the government benefits they receive; and (b), amnesty would eventually make them eligible for the full array of welfare and medical benefits offered by local, state and federal governments. They found the cost of allowing illegal aliens to remain in the United States, and eventually to become citizens, would be $3.7 trillion through the year 2056. That works out to a present cost of $1 trillion, at a 5 percent discount rate. In other words, immediately upon passage of an amnesty bill, the United States government would need to put $1 trillion into an investment earning 5 percent per year if it were honest about paying for the costs of amnesty.
$14 billion cost of attrition through enforcement option #1.
Source: Congressional Budget office Estimate for H.R. 4437.
Summary: This option is the bill H.R. 4437 sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner that passed the House of Representatives in 2005. This bill would have been so effective in combating illegal immigration that some 1 million illegal aliens marched in cities around the United States on May 1, 2006 to protest it. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would cost $1.9 billion over the 5 years 2006-2010, which we extrapolate out to the year 2056 using a linear model to account for cost increases. Then we use a discount rate of 5 percent to bring the future costs back to a single present cost figure. The resulting cost was actually $13.5 billion, which we round up to $14 billion to facilitate comparison to the other cost figures.
$177 billion cost of attrition through enforcement option #2.
Source: Congressional Budget Office Estimate for H.R. 4088.
Summary: This option is the SAVE Act (Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act) that was introduced in the House of Representatives in 2007. This is a strong attrition through enforcement bill. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would cost $40.7 billion over the 10 years 2009-2018, which we extrapolate out to the year 2056 using a linear model to account for cost increases. Then we use a discount rate of 5 percent to bring the future costs back to a single present cost figure.
Detailed Explanation:
Amnesty Would Have a Present Cost of $1 Trillion
In 2007, the Heritage Foundation issued two studies, one on the cost of low-skilled immigration and one on the cost of amnesty. The study on the cost of low-skilled immigration noted that low-skilled immigrants do work hard: “It is important to note, these families are rarely idle; they consistently work and pay taxes. However, the taxes they pay are seldom, if ever, sufficient to cover the cost of the government benefits they receive. In consequence, these households must be continually subsidized by other taxpayers.” The Heritage study concluded that low-skilled immigrant households will cost native born U.S. taxpayers $89.1 billion per year over each of the next 30 years.
The Heritage report estimated that illegal residents comprise 41 percent of low-skilled immigrant households.1 Simple multiplication indicates that illegal-immigrant households cost the U.S. taxpayer $36.5 billion each year. Over 30 years, that works out to $1.1 trillion in costs. Using a financial calculator, we assumed a discount rate of 5 percent, and computed the net present value of a cost stream of $36.5 over the next 30 years to be $589 billion.
Cost to Taxpayer for Government Benefits to Illegal Aliens:
Years Cost Each Year Total Cost Present Cost @ 5% discount rate
2007-2037 $36.5 billion $1.1 trillion $589 billion
2038-2056 $144.5 billion $2.6 trillion $410 billion
$999 billion
A second report was issued by the Heritage Foundation a few weeks after the report discussed above. This report discussed the costs allowing current illegal aliens to become United States citizens. They will become eligible for the full array of welfare and medical benefits offered by state and federal governments. This study concluded that the $36.5 billion per year figure is valid for the next 30 years. The average age of an illegal alien is early 30s. Beginning 30 years from now, the current illegal alien population will retire. The problem is that low-skilled illegal aliens do not earn enough money to support their families, send remittances back to their homelands, and save adequate money for retirement. The U.S. taxpayer will be stuck supporting most illegal aliens in retirement. And each retired illegal alien is projected to cost the U.S. taxpayer $17,000 per year.
The Heritage report continues, that of the 10 million retired illegal aliens, some 8.5 million will live to the retirement age of 67 years old. At that time, the statistically normal lifespan is an additional 18 years. $17,000 per year for 18 years is $306,000. That is the cost of supporting one amnestied illegal alien through retirement. Multiplied by 8.5 million people, and that comes to the astounding figure of $2.6 trillion.2 Using a financial calculator, we assumed a discount rate of 5 percent and computed the net present value of a cost stream of $144.5 billion per year for 18 years from the years 2039-2057. The net present cost was given as $410 billion.
Attrition Through Enforcement Would Have a Present Cost of as Little at $13.5 Billion
H.R. 4437, The “Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005,” had Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner as its original sponsor. This bill had several features to combat illegal immigration including:
• mandatory E-Verify 6 years from date of enactment
• end the “catch-and-release” policy for all persons apprehended at border
• require DHS to reimburse counties within 25 miles of the border for the costs relating to illegal aliens
• removal orders would become final more quickly and readily
• facilitate removal of aliens who reenter the country illegally after having been deported
• mandatory minimum prison sentences for offenses related to illegal entry into the United States
• additional port-of-entry inspectors and canine detection teams
This was the bill to which Sensenbrenner offered an amendment to reduce the penalty for illegal presence (aimed at visa overstayers) from a felony to a misdemeanor (Amendment 656, Roll Call Vote 655).3 However, all but 8 Democrats voted against the amendment (in other words, they voted for upgrading illegal presence to a felony) because they wanted to use the provision as a rallying point from which to stir up opposition to the bill.
The passage of this bill attracted a firestorm of opposition from the open borders lobby, including illegal alien demonstrations in a number of cities on May 1, 2006.
The illegal alien lobby was opposed to this bill because it would have been effective. This is why we can safely conclude that effective attrition through enforcement would cost as little as $13.5 billion.4
Strong Attrition Through Enforcement Would Have a Present Cost of $177 Billion
The SAVE Act (Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement) Act was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on November 6, 2007. It never made it to a vote because the House leadership would not allow it. Among the key provisions of the bill were:
• mandatory E-Verify 4 years from the date of enactment;
• increased employer sanctions for those knowingly employing illegal aliens;
• a "National Birth and Death Registration System" to reduce stolen identities;
• 140 additional Criminal Alien Program (CAP) officers to identify and remove criminal aliens detained in federal, state and local facilities;
• training at least 250 state and local law enforcement officers on how to perform federal immigration enforcement procedures;
• 8,000 additional beds for illegal aliens detained by immigration officials;
• 13 additional federal district judges in border states to increase the flow of deportations, including 4 for the District of Arizona and 5 for the Southern District of California;
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill would cost $40.7 billion over the 10 years between 2009-2018.5
________________________________________
1Robert E. Rector and Christine Kim, The Fiscal Cost of Low-Skill Immigrants to the U.S. Taxpayer, Special Report #14, May 22, 2007, The Heritage Foundation.
2Robert E. Rector, Amnesty Will Cost U.S. Taxpayers At Least $2.6 Trillion, Web Memo #1490, June 6, 2007, The Heritage Foundation.
3See The Congressional Record – House – December 16, 2005, H11951-11953.
4The CBO report can be found by searching http://www.cbo.gov/ for H.R. 4437.
5The CBO report can be found by searching http://www.cbo.gov/ for H.R. 4088.
2:35 am
You have got to read this excellent study on the real costs associated with ILLEGALS - yes, I said ILLEGALS. not undocumented. I am offended by the commentary suggesting that it is just "Whites" that have issues with ILLEGALS in this nation. That sounds like a racist comment. Is Ms. Sifuentes a racist?
http://www.usillegalaliens.com/impacts_of_illegal_immigration_terrorism.html