Meeting with Latino leaders last night from Seminole County at Iglesia Vida Nueva, Rep. Jason Broader, Chair of the House Health Innovations Committee, committed to push the Immigrant Health Care HB 7. The bill would eliminate the 5 year wait for lawfully legal immigrant children now required before becoming eligible for federally funded children’s health insurance. Two weeks ago families from Brodeur’s district testifies in his committee that the five year wait was unjust. These families are here legally, pay taxes, work for a living, and should get the same benefits as other citizens. The bill passed the committee unanimously. Passage of the bill into law would add an estimated 25,000 children to the Florida KidCare program.
Last night Brodeur agreed to consider co-sponsoring the bill in the next week, and has talked with House Speaker Will Weatherford urging his support. The bill now goes to the House Health Care Appropriations Committee, Chaired by Rep. Matt Hudson of Naples. If you have relationships in Naples that could support the bill, please contact us. A Senate companion bill SB282 is referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee.
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