Let Washington Pick Up Check

The new federal welfare law gives Gov. Pete Wilson the authority to decide whether poor women immigrants, here illegally, can continue to receive milk, juice, cereal and other nutritious foods for themselves during pregnancy and for their children through age 5 under the federally funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The governor should approve continuation of the aid. After all, Washington provides millions of dollars in assistance under this program without requiring states to pay a dime. This is a sound investment in improving the health of poor children in the state.

The governor has made no decision, but he opposes government assistance to illegal immigrants, arguing that public benefits attract undocumented workers to the state. He has already acted to deny state-funded prenatal care to women who are illegal immigrants. That decision has been blocked in the courts. Wilson has also aggressively backed Proposition 187, which denies public benefits to illegal immigrants, another measure tied up in the courts.

Given his record, it may seem futile to expect the governor to continue any benefits for illegal immigrants. On the other hand, Wilson has long argued that Washington should pay for any public services for immigrants since the federal government is responsible for the nation’s borders. Wilson is right on that call. Washington should pay, and WIC is one of the few examples of the federal government picking up the tab. California and poor children here should not forfeit a single dollar.