I’m reprinting this letter to the editor because it actually got a legitimate response from a Texas state representative (the answer is appalling and I’ve reprinted it below):
In 2007, Leo Berman, State Representative, District 6, exposed the truth our Legislative leaders tried to block:Mr Richter,
Do you think the San Antonio Express News will print this?
Last night on the news I saw Governor Perry saying that he has sent an invoice for 14.7 Million dollars to the US government to pay for the incarceration of illegal aliens here in Texas. He said it was the US Government’s fault for not securing the border.
I have heard that the medical costs for illegal aliens here in Texas exceed 90 million. Now if we factor in that they also receive welfare, food stamps, HUD housing, and their education is free, what is the overall cost to Texas Tax Payers?
Then we can factor in what the US government spends on the salaries, equipment, and training of the US Border Patrols, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs officials. The question arises why are we Texas Payers burdened with these expenses?
There are millions of dollars going out of country as remittance. That is money that is not circulated in our economy.
There are many pro illegal alien organizations that aren’t spending a penny. Why not let them put their money where their mouth is? Are we going to wait until we are as broke as California and Florida ?
H. Dale Jennings
Cibolo , Texas
I can tell you from studies that the 2 million illegal aliens in Texas are costing Texas taxpayers $4.5 billion/year for free schools and free health care. You can also add in other costs such as 25,000 illegals in our state and county jails at a cost of $42.54/day for each of them.
Ok, I did the math real quick so you don’t have to. The illegal aliens in Texas jails cost Texans $1,063,500/DAY. That amounts to $388,177,500/YEAR.
So…all told, almost $5 BILLION/year*. Just in Texas.
How ya like them apples, TEXAS?!
*In 2011, that estimate jumped to $9 billion. The 82nd Legislature failed to pass a bill that would allow for the accounting of funds paid to educate, feed, clothe, incarcerate, etc, etc illegal aliens. We need to know.
